Customs officers protest over appointment of new Director General

Customs officer have decided to refrain from duties from all stations -excluding the Bandaranaike International Airport owing to the appointment of a new Director General of Customs.

The sudden strike action was taken following cabinet approval for the appointment of a retired Navy officer as the new Director General of Sri Lanka Customs. Yesterday Cabinet granted approval to appoint retired Navy officer – Rear Admiral Shamal Fernando as the Director-General of Customs.

Currently all customs officers at the Colombo Harbour except  those in the Export Division are currently engaged in trade union action.

The Customs Trade Union Alliance in a letter to the President said  according to government laws and regulations the position of Director General can only be held by a Special Grade Officer from the State Administration Service of Sri Lanka Customs.

Further, the association  said that they would continue to engage in trade union action till the issue is resloved beginning from from today (30).