By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana   

It is high time the Customs officers practice integrity and to build up a work environment free of bribery and corruption as opined by President’s Counsel Sarath Jayamanne, who spoke at the launch of new Customs Internal Affairs Unit to receive public complaints.  PC Jayamanne who emphasized the importance of creating a state sector free of corruption to render a clean and better service said soliciting a bribe to perform one’s duty is like selling his own soul. 

The former Director General of Commission to Investigate Allegations of  Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) made these remarks whilst delivering the keynote address at the official ceremony held to establish an Internal Affairs Unit at the Sri Lanka Customs Headquarters yesterday morning.   

The Internal Affairs Unit, which comes to light as part of the proposed Sri Lanka Revenue Authority Bill that was introduced through the IMF conditions was officially opened by State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya on the ground floor of the Customs Head Office.   

The Internal Affairs Unit is dedicated to uphold the principles of integrity in Sri Lanka Customs, as its signboard says and will accept both anonymous and known complaints from the public against the practices of the Customs.   

The first of such complaints was investigated about two weeks back where four senior Customs officials including a Senior Director were indicted for sneaking a held up goods container out of an inspection yard by preparing false documents.   

The Customs was the first of the revenue generating wings of the Ministry of Finance to establish an Internal Affairs Unit to accept public complaints, whilst the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and the Excise Department of Sri Lanka are expected to establish their own units in the near future.   

The public has been given the opportunity to lodge their complaints through the telephone numbers of 0112 221331, 0112 221333 or WhatsApp on 070 4752803 and email: [email protected]. Also, there is a box outside the new unit to receive written anonymous complaints.   

Director General of Customs Sarath Nonis, Additional Director Generals Sudaththa de Silva and Seevali Arukgoda and senior Customs officials with senior representatives of IRD and Excise Department were present at the launch yesterday.