A search operation conducted by the Navy off Pesalai, Mannar on 06th September 2024 resulted in the seizure of 05 sacks of Kerala cannabis weighing over 188 kilograms (wet weight).

It is suspected that the smugglers might have abandoned the stock of Kerala cannabis, due to naval presence in the area. The gross street value of Kerala cannabis held in this operation is believed to be approx. Rs. 75 million.

The stock of Kerala cannabis was handed over to the Pesalai Police for onward legal proceedings.

With the latest operation, the Navy and Coast Guard have seized a total of approx 1242kg of smuggled Kerala cannabis in 2024.

For the first time in history, Sri Lanka Customs has achieved record revenue of Rs.1, 000 billion (Rs. One trillion) during the first eight months of this year, thanks to the opportunity given to the administrative authority and officials to operate independently without external interference.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has set a revenue target of Rs.1, 534 billion for 2024. With the Rs.1, 000 billion targets already met within the first eight months, Director General of Customs Sarath Nonis is confident that the annual target can be achieved within the next four months of the year.

The Director General  notes that the previous highest revenue record was Rs.975 billion in 2023. He also points out that typically, 25%-30% of total customs revenue comes from car imports, but this figure has dropped below 6% due to restrictions on car imports in both years.

This achievement is attributed to the guidance and support of President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his role as Minister of Financial Economic Stabilization and National Policy, as well as the leadership and contributions of State Ministers Ranjith Siyambalapitiya and Shehan Semasinghe. The Director General also credits the department’s success to its independence and the new operational methods and technical processes implemented over the past two years.

He added that over the past two years, the Department of Customs has implemented many positive changes, enabling officers to streamline operations through new methods and advanced technical processes.

Director General Sarath Nonis highlighted that the dedication of the entire customs staff has been instrumental in combating fraud, corruption, and smuggling.

The department continues to enhance its administrative activities under an annual action plan, ensuring regular transfers and updates to customs procedures and quality improvements.

By Shamindra Ferdinando

The Defence Ministry and Army Headquarters yesterday (06) denied the NPP’s allegation that a senior officer, based at the Wahera Sri Lanka National Guard (SLNG) training centre, Kurunegala, had ordered recruits to vote for President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sept. 05, the second day of the three-day postal voting period.

Over 700,000 public servants, including the members of the police and military, are eligible to exercise their franchise through postal voting.

Army spokesman Maj. Gen. Rasika Kumara and Defence Ministry Spokesman Colonel Nalin Herath said that as soon as this matter was brought to their notice, inquiries had been made. The officer, whom the accusations had been made against, held the Brigadier’s rank, they said.

Executive Director of PAFFREL (People’s Action for Free and Fair Election) Rohana Hettiarachchi confirmed the position taken by the military. The military said that Police Emergency, too, had responded, following a tip-off regarding alleged interference by the officer named by the NPP.

Retired Senior DIG D. Gajasingha, head of the JJB observation mission, said that he wasn’t aware of the current status of the complaint lodged by the party. According to the complaint lodged with the Election Commission (EC) by the NPP, the Brigadier in charge of the training facility had summoned recruits to his office and demanded that they exercise their franchise for President Wickremesinghe.EC said that those who couldn’t vote on Sept 4th, 5th and 6th would be able to do so on Sept 11th and 12th.