9 August 2024 12:21 am Views - 699
The government has set up an Internal Customs Unit within Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) to investigate public complaints, following increased public scrutiny, the Finance Ministry announced yesterday.
State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya inaugurated the unit, which is operated by SLC’s Internal Affairs Division.
The move comes as the private sector has intensified calls for the full digitisation of SLC operations, citing vulnerabilities in manual processes that expose them to corruption by some SLC officers, thereby affecting the business environment. The IMF’s Governance Diagnostic Assessment report also highlighted a culture of corruption within the SLC.
Siyambalapitiya defended the SLC, stating that the new unit would enhance the relationship between the public and the SLC. He acknowledged that SLC has been tasked with a unique role for the country, which naturally attracts both praise and criticism.
The Minister emphasised the importance of improving public trust in the SLC as a key objective going forward.
He also announced plans to extend this system to the Internal Revenue Department and the Excise Department.
The public will be able to submit complaints anonymously. (NF)
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