Highest fine imposed on MP Raheem: Siyambalapitiya

• Says that there was no irregularity in releasing the MP

By Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera

MP Ali Sabri Raheem, who was charged with smuggling gold, was imposed the highest fine in the recent past in relation to the quantity of gold seized, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said yesterday. He told Parliament that there was no irregularity in releasing the MP and said anyone who was detained for a similar offence is released within twenty-four hours as per the Customs Ordinance if the fine is paid.  

The Minister said this in response to an allegation made by SJB MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara that Ali Sabri Raheem was imposed a lesser fine, whereas threefold of the value of the seized gold is imposed as fines in normal circumstances.

MP Madduma Bandara said if someone was caught with gold, a fine of threefold of the value of the seized gold is imposed as fine and added that MP Raheem was imposed a fine of only Rs. 7.5 million whereas the value of gold in his possession was more than Rs. 70 million.

The Minister said the threefold fine is the maximum fine and that the maximum fine is not usually imposed, and added that MP Raheem was imposed the highest fine in the recent past in relation to the quantity of gold seized.