Administrative decisions turned into political issue by the Opposition - Finance Minister Samaraweera

Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera who addressed the media today (Feb 6) said that it was initially intended to promote re-instated Customs Director General Ms P.S.M. Charles to a position in the Ministry. 

By Asiri Fernando

Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera who addressed the media today (Feb 6) said that it was initially intended to promote re-instated Customs Director General Ms P.S.M. Charles to a position in the Ministry. 

Further, Mr Samaraweera said that he had withdrawn the cabinet paper promoting the Customs Director General to a Ministerial position adding that  "a normal administrative decision taken at the Ministry last week has been turned into political issue by the opposition."

Minister Samaraweera fronted the media flanked by Ms Charles and Dr R.H.S. Samarathunga, the Ministry Secretary.

The Minister also pledged to restructure the Customs department with an aim to reduce corruption and increase revenue, adding that the Customs Ordinance was outdated and needed to be updated.

Commenting on the Customs revenue for 2018, the Minister claimed that the target set was not reached and pointed out that the Customs revenue had only increased by 1.4% in 2018.

Ms Charles addressing the media said that she will continue investigations into irregularities surrounding the pepper, dried betel nuts re-exports and vehicle import rackets, and submit complete reports to the ministry within two months.

(Pix by Ishanka Sunimal)