Customs returns to protests after talks fail

By Chamodi Gunawardana

Customs officials protesting Government plans to revamp Customs legislation yesterday said a discussion with the Finance Ministry had failed and promised to continue protests.

Issuing a press release, the combined trade unions of Customs including the All Ceylon Customs Services Union, the Customs Inspectors Union, the Custom Monitoring Officers Association and the Sri Lanka Independent Government Trade Unionclaimed the discussion held with Finance Ministry Secretary R.H.S.Samaratunga had failed to provide a solution to their concerns. 

Following a directive from Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the unions met the Secretary last Friday to raise objections over introducing new Customs laws.The unions argue new laws will create loopholes for smugglers though the Government has repeatedly insisted that it has not drawn up new regulations yet.

The Finance Ministry Secretary had said a new ordinance has not been prepared yet and called for unions to present proposals for it. The representatives have denied the request to assist in formulating entirely new Customs laws andemphasised they want the existing Act to be amended.

The meeting had ended in a stalemate, the statement noted. Customs trade unions have affirmed they will continue the struggle until the Government listens to its demands.