More customs officers to be recruited soon

• Recruitments would be made on the results of an open competitive examination free of political patronage

By Thisara Samal Somaratne   

State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalaptiya said steps were being taken to recruit 138 Custom officers and 45 Custom inspectors soon and that the recruitments would be made on the results of an open competitive examination free of political patronage.   

He told the media after a religious programme at Galapitamada area he said the state income had increased by 50 percent this year when compared to the previous year yet it was not satisfactory. He pointed out that an effective mechanism should be implemented to boost the state revenue.  

“ As stressed by the International Monetary Fund priority should be given to streamlining the state administration while curtailing tax concessions. Steps should be given to nab tax evaders for which the department needs an efficient young officers dedicated to service” He said.  

He further said Sri Lanka had been graded as a lowest income generating country but the situation has now improved.