The Finance Ministry has been directed to streamline services of the Customs management and staff while improving productivity and modernisation of standard operating procedures.
A letter sent by Presidential Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera to the ministry emphasised the urgent need of commitment of all Custom employees to make a positive paradigm change in the department before the end of the first quarter this year.
The directive has come from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa informing that if they fail to comply, then he (President) would take alternate measures to restructure the organisation.
Dr. Jayasundera further pointed out that according to views and observations of various eminent persons in the import and export sector as well as comments of policy planners and audit inspections, no one can be satisfied with the present unpleasant situation of the department.
“It is really frustrating and not pleasurable,” he has stated in a strongly worded letter adding that no one can tolerate such a deplorable situation.
Various allegations have been leveled against Customs over alleged fraudulent transactions in import and export trade as well as private bonded warehouse dealings by businessmen in connivance with Custom officers.
The Government is restructuring the Customs Department amid concerns of inefficiency, corruption and drop in revenue collection, while reviewing relevant laws, regulations, administrative guidelines and standard operating procedures.
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