Five Govt. Departments corrupt to the hilt: Minister

• They are Sri Lanka Customs, Excise Department, Motor Traffic Department, Inland Revenue Department and Sri Lanka Railways
• State revenue can be increased by 50 percent by digitizing them

By Kelum Bandara   

The volume of corruption at five state institutions - Sri Lanka Customs, Excise Department, Motor Traffic Department, Inland Revenue Department and Sri Lanka Railways - is so enormous that the state revenue can be increased by 50 percent by digitizing their activities to curb errant practices, a Minister said yesterday.   

Transport, Highways and Media Minister Bandula Gunawardena told Daily Mirror that digitization is the only option to rid these institutions of corruption and frauds.   
The Minister said he is trying hard to digitize the Motor Traffic Department despite resistance in various forms .  

He opined that at least 20 percent of vehicles in operation on roads had been registered fraudulently.   

“These are five state departments involved in revenue generation for the country. But, they are riddled with corruption and frauds. Therefore, the government cannot reach revenue targets,” he said.