By Ranjan Kasthuri   

Five leading jewellers who imported gold illegally hav been fined, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said yesterday. The total fine amounted to Rs 1,243 million according to the minister.   
One jeweller was find Rs 179 million. The State Minister said those who import gold through a third party will also be fined in the future.
“Some companies have made gold importation a racket and this has continued for some time,” he said.   
Customs officers recently raided five jewellery manufacturing plants and recovered illegal gold.