Illegal vehicle assembly complex raided: 54 vehicles found

1 February 2017 04:07 pm - 20 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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At least 54 vehicles, which were illegally assembled, causing a loss of Rs. 325 million to the government, were recovered by the Panadura-Walana Central Anti-Corruption Unit and the Sri Lanka Customs during a raid yesterday.

The Panadura-Walana Central Anti-Corruption Unit launched an investigation under the instructions of DIG Ranmal Kodithuwakku in connection with a petition which stated that vehicles parts were being imported illegally and sold after they were assembled in the country.

Investigations had revealed that Vehicle Lanka Private Limited had assembled the vehicles at a complex situated in the Minuwangoda Industrial Zone. The complex had also been used to store vehicles without engines and vehicles which were returned by Customers, police said.

The company had assembled the vehicles at the premises and then sold them in the local market before it was released by Sri Lanka Customs, officials said.

Police spokesman DIG Priyantha Jayakody said the company had violated the Customs Act and caused a large financial loss to the government by exporting vehicle parts illegally.

The police had obtained a search warrant from the Minuwangoda Magistrate Court and raided the premises with the assistance of the Customs officials.

Police recovered 29 cars, 22 jeeps, two vans and parts of another vehicle during the raid. Police said an administrative officer at the company had failed to produce any documents when the raid was carried out.

The vehicles recovered in the complex were given to the Customs Department for further investigation as they were illegally brought into the country.

Customers of Vehicle Lanka Private (Ltd) who suspect they have been scammed by the company are requested to call the Panadura-Walana Central Anti-Corruption Unit via 038 -2234314 and 039- 2234315.(Darshana Sanjeewa)

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Comments - 20

dushan Wednesday, 01 February 2017 10:42 PM

The customs detained eight containers of body parts imported by this owner few years back. Even there are two court orders against this importation. However the Treasury Secretary had ordered the Customs Chief to release these detained containers to which the Customs Chief gave instructions to his officials to release them.Its good that the police did the raid before the eight containers were released. Meanwhile Finance Minister has put a cabinet paper yesterday to give the Vehicles Lanka the approval secretly. Yahapalanaya too is at work ignoring the court rulings.Well done police and the custom officers who did the raid.

Ash Friday, 03 February 2017 04:51 PM

Ughhhh i think you're missing the 320 million ruppe ILLEGAL tax evasion here buddy...

far Thursday, 02 February 2017 02:28 PM

though this is a illegal operation its an opportunity to sri lanka. you need to utilise the talent and the skills to our advantage. this kind of encouragement is important to develop our country to complete with other giants. via DM Android App

Premalal Thursday, 02 February 2017 01:51 PM

No. What happened at Kuliyapitiya a few months ago was the Hoaxwaggon.

Justin Keppetiyaga Thursday, 02 February 2017 01:05 PM

What is gain to trythe country by this new indus

AJKumar Thursday, 02 February 2017 09:22 AM

Isnt the factory going to be put up in Kuliyapitiya for a similar operation?

DillonDP Thursday, 02 February 2017 09:00 AM

in Banana Republic of 2 2 is put together its illegal ... what a joke... if you cant deal with it, change the law so people would move forward

DillonDP Thursday, 02 February 2017 08:58 AM

without curtailing such activity, these individuals must be given an opportunity to do even better... why are they hampering such talents

RJ Wednesday, 01 February 2017 11:17 PM

Wonder how that Nissan GTR that was once seized by the police ended up in this lot.

ceylon without doing nonsense help these i Wednesday, 01 February 2017 10:57 PM

without doing nonsense help these industrial minded bright people to do similer industrial works and developments.lanka dont have a place for such talented people. via DM Android App

ahamed Wednesday, 01 February 2017 04:21 PM

This seems huge, it is difficult to hide and do, it becomes illegal because the authority does not support now?

Jagath Leanage Wednesday, 01 February 2017 06:04 PM

Who laid the foundation stone to this factory ?

bimba Wednesday, 01 February 2017 05:16 PM

Lost opportunity to purchase cheep vehicle assembled in SL via DM Android App

sam Wednesday, 01 February 2017 04:45 PM

This type of thing will always happen when the value of vehicles is artificially inflated beyond reason by excessive tax. Gov please improve roads and make cars normal prices.

Banda Wednesday, 01 February 2017 04:40 PM

Haha.. To pave the ways for the VW plant.. via DM Android App

dilipwn Wednesday, 01 February 2017 04:38 PM

people desperate to buy vehicles due our very good public transport systemlet all have tax free vehicles not only for bloody politicians

rosebud Wednesday, 01 February 2017 04:31 PM

A nation of crooks - thats what weve become via DM Android App

jehan Wednesday, 01 February 2017 04:28 PM

whats wrong with assembly of vehicles. these laws are keeping sri lanka down. wasting money on benz s class, when people can make or assemble there own vehicles.

NAF Wednesday, 01 February 2017 04:24 PM

New factory opening

das Wednesday, 01 February 2017 04:23 PM

Were they Hoaxwagons??

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Illegal vehicle assembly complex raided: 54 vehicles found

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