President Tackles Corruption in Customs

President Tackles Corruption in Customs: Major Overhaul Coming Soon

by Mariam Gunawijayah 22-01-2025 | 12:24 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st) - President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, speaking on the Satana program on Sirasa TV on Tuesday (21), has vowed to address longstanding issues within the country’s customs system and port operations, promising a major overhaul to tackle corruption and inefficiency.

The President revealed that while 7.8 million containers currently arrive in Sri Lanka, only 15% of them enter the country. The rest are transferred.

The government is moving forward with plans to modernize port infrastructure, including the upcoming openings of the Western and Eastern Terminals. The President expects that container traffic will rise to 11.5 million by 2030. 

“Criticisms of customs continue, but progress is being made,” said the President, referring to ongoing reforms, including the establishment of a new container inspection facility in Kerawalapitiya. He also noted that the Minister had recently inspected the site, with another privately owned location in Bloemendhal under consideration.

The President acknowledged past challenges but emphasized that the situation had improved significantly. He pointed to a record revenue of over 1.5 trillion generated by customs, highlighting the dedication of many officers who are committed to change. “Those who do not comply will face consequences,” he said, emphasizing that investigations into corruption are ongoing.

The President also addressed the role of customs officers in the larger picture, citing specific instances of mismanagement, such as the sale of 538 Prado vehicles previously held for investigation. He assured the public that the government was committed to rooting out corruption at all levels, adding that reforms would continue.

“This is the new way of politics,” the President stressed.