Over three years ago I went to India with my mother, like
most other Sri Lankans we did some shopping and my mother bought two dozens of
Henna hair color claiming this is much better than in Sri Lanka. Since I’m not
using I can’t say which is better than the others but Indian product was
relatively less expensive than in Sri Lanka. Both of us safely reached to
Katunayake international airport around 22.30 by Sri Lankan Air Line. We were
tired but As usual before the arrival we were going through airport office
custom .The Sri Lankan custom officer while we he was still using his mobile
phone orders us to open our luggage.There were few sarees that my mother
bought in my luggage mostly were books.
Then the custom office found out Henna hair color packets.
There were two dozen which technically 24
sachets packets. The custom officer showed his awareness of law and said
only 6 packs can be allowed. He questioned my mother whether she is running a
saloon .other 18 number of packets will subjected to taxes. Then I politely
asked can I take 6 packets claiming that I’m using then only another 12 packets
will subjected to the tax. With this question the custom officer got furiously
angry. He questioned saying are you trying to violate Sri Lankan custom law in
a smart way.he can take legal action
based on my idea of violation Sri Lankan custom law.
Well my mother is law abiding citizen than me.She said I’ll
take only 6 packets which is allowed by
law. The custom office can keep the other. I also felt it’s a sensible decision
.As a country we should be happy about this kind of lawful custom officers.
They are earning for this country, but they are equally fair on every case our
country is a much better place
.
As per the mission the Sri Lanka Customs is dedicated to enforce
revenue and social protection laws of the state while facilitating the trade
with the objective of contributing to the national effort and in due
recognition thereof. Also Sri Lanka Customs is one of the oldest Customs
administrations in the world which celebrated its 200 years in 2009.
Also if we trace ancient Sri Lanka there is evidence of the
existence of Customs tax collection in Sri Lanka over 2000 years ago at the
Godawaya Harbor in Hambanthota.Well this is not Hmbanthota Mahinda Rajapaksha Port..
The stone inscription existing at the Godawaya temple
provides probably one of the oldest evidence on Customs duties in the entire
world. Ancient internal port had functioned from 2nd Century AD to 12th Century
AD at Godawaya in Southern Sri Lanka near the mouth of the Walawe River. This
inscription had been made by King Gajabahu (114-136AD) and states that he had
ordered the donation of duties collected at the port to the Godawaya Temple for
its maintenance.
Like many other things in Sri Lanka we have proud history,
but sadly we can’t be happy or proud about our present or future.
Currently Sri
Lanka custom is a heaven for corruption. Our general believes is the police,
the politics are the most corrupted. But when it comes to Sri Lanka custom
their corruption is negligible.to become a custom officer in Sri Lanka not an easy
task. A degree or equivalent qualifications are must. Out of all government services
Sri L lanka custom officers five scale salary which including commissions for
their outstanding performances. Most of Sri Lankan custom officer are educated
in Sri Lanka through the free education up to the university. We can understand
a poor police cop getting 1000 SLR as a bribe where his monthly income most
cases less than 25000SLR.But why highly paid custom officer are taking bribes
in millions?
Few days ago Three Customs officials were arrested while
allegedly accepting a bribe of Rc. 125 million, which is equaling to 1.68
million US$ . According to Bribery
Commission sources this is the largest ever recorded case of bribe taking,
detected by them. This much of money any government officer may not be able to
save in his whole life.
The Customs officers in question has informed a foreign
company that a payment of Rs 1,500 million was required for the release of a
consignment of spare parts imported to be used by the Sri Lanka Transport Board
(SLTB). Later, the three Customs officers are said to have solicited a bribe of
Rs.150 million while promising to waive off the duty and other payments.
Following negotiations, the bribe had been reduced to Rs 125 million. The
company had later informed the Bribery Commission about the incident.
The three suspects nabbed are Assistant Customs Authority M.D.U.P. Perera,
Deputy Director Customs Jagath
Gunathileke , and Customs officer Sudheera Parakrama ironically one of the
above officers received 30 million reward few months ago for his outstanding performances.
This is a one incident, there was a, another incident a
custom office directly responsible of murdering his colleague simply because he
has refused to take part of the huge bribe. Both of they were educated in
Peradeniya University; we can’t believe what are the objectives of our
education.
But at least we can be happy; we have well activated
commission of bribery after the new director general. We salute you Madam…….!
