Another VAT fraud: coal imports under-invoiced, COPA orders probe

21 November 2023 06:10 am - 16 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

COLOMBO (Daily Mirror) - The Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) will initiate a probe into incidents in which stocks of coal imported for the Norochcholai thermal power plant have been under-invoiced for the evasion of due amount of Value Added Tax (VAT), an official said.

COPA Chairman Lasantha Alagiyawanna told Daily Mirror that the COPA examined the audit reports of Sri Lanka Customs for 2019, 2020 and 2021. He said the COPA ordered a further probe into this matter.

“Coal imports have been under-invoiced to avoid VAT payment,” he said.

Asserting that there are numerous administrative shortcomings and irregularities in the process, he said

Meanwhile, a statement from the parliamentary media unit said as much as Rs.187 million has been undercharged in this manner.

“COPA drew attention to the financial advantage provided to the concerned institution by presenting fake local information during the release of warehouses brought by a private institution for the water development project in the Eastern Province. Accordingly, during the release of the goods which the concerned private company had warehoused as USD 5,139,621, locally prepared forged documents were used to pave the way and obtain USD 1,210,743 in excess for the concerned company when the value shown was USD 6,350,364. Thus, COPA recommended that a report in this regard be given within a month. The status of the introduction of new technology by Customs was also discussed at the Committee meeting held. Accordingly, the officers who were present pointed out that currently a system called "ASYCUDA" is being used to maintain data, and it is connected to the Ramis system. Furthermore, a new technology system will be introduced in the future. Furthermore, attention was also directed to the measures taken regarding the amendment of the Customs Ordinance Act and the officials mentioned that the amendments in this regard will be submitted to Parliament in January 2024,” the statement said.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 16

Poochie Baba Tuesday, 21 November 2023 06:57 AM

Can only happen in Sri Lanka. Someone always makes money!!!!

This is reality Tuesday, 21 November 2023 08:46 AM

Who was the Minister during the period? Whoever it was cannot be unaware of what has taken place. There's the rub.

Check assets of every official and their families Tuesday, 21 November 2023 09:40 AM

Now, do not blame the Rajapaks for this too. Every Tom, Dick and Harry have their fingers in the pie. How are they going to extricated to identify which finger belongs to which corrupt person? But there may be a single master mind, who control everything. This is the billion dollar puzzle!

Sam Silva Tuesday, 21 November 2023 06:53 PM

Does matter to whom the blame goes to and which political party governs the country. We live in a country infested with crooks and that is why we are bankrupt. Does not matter to whom the finger is pointed. This will continue regardless if they are being exposed or not. Sad!!

VJ Tuesday, 21 November 2023 09:53 AM

Frauds are detected, probes are conducted and then what? We have not seen anyone held accountable, money recovered, someone is sent to jail for the crime etc.,

Mahila Tuesday, 21 November 2023 04:34 PM

"FRAUDS are DETECTED, PROBES are CONDUCTED and then what?" What else, your expectation??? There was classic case ‘MISAPPRPRIATION OF USD 70,000 Tsunami Fund from USA, DEPOSITED – Personal Bank account of a Politician!!?? Instead of Bank account of Charitable Organisation - Hambantota Development Fund!!?? The money remained in Private account for few months!!! Consequent to Private plaint filed in SUPREME COURT, DECIDED, IT IS Improper and should be deposited in separate CHARITY ACCOUNT, INSTEAD of the Private Account!? All crime EXONERATED “Not Guilty Plea”, Endorsed, and Accused Discharged by SC!!?? SL - CJ Presiding and accused CLEANSED, WITH NO IMPEDIMENT whatsoever to contest Presidential Election (PE) of 12/2004!? Corruption and Bribery THRIVED with IMPUNITY, COMFORTED – NO CRIMINALITY, NO PUNISHME!! HIGHEST in Land – COLLUDED!!!?? SL Jurisprudence DECLINED, Groundswell of Bribery! What for the telling?"

Rod Tuesday, 21 November 2023 10:14 AM

It's the reality of sri lanka every government sector's are so badly corrupt and full of thives this fellows robbing the country financials left right and centre they have got no feelings for the country or countries future someone need to crack all To put a stop this fellows are worse than drug addicts very soon things will get bad to worse..

Sanath Tuesday, 21 November 2023 10:20 AM

There is no end to the frauds, but nothing happens to those culprits and this keeps going on. Everybody has got used to it, and that is the end.

Hard Truth Tuesday, 21 November 2023 10:53 AM

Most Sri Lankans are corrupt to the core. Even they will sell dead bodies to make easy money.

Even in year 2500 we will be like today. Tuesday, 21 November 2023 06:27 PM

Because of our education. Really educated people are gone to overseas.

Mohamed Ifaz Inamdeen Tuesday, 21 November 2023 05:12 PM

inquiry, investigation and eventually 'granting bail' to criminals. This is the cycle in this lawless country. No action will be taken tangibly to prevent crimes in future.

DW Tuesday, 21 November 2023 05:35 PM

There is saying that The more mistakes you make, the more you learn but when it comes to Sri Lankan politicians, they don't have the brain power to realise their mistakes.

Sambo Tuesday, 21 November 2023 07:29 PM

If we read something it is about fraud. What's happening to this country. Where will all this end.

Kumar Soysa Tuesday, 21 November 2023 07:34 PM

Everyone is corrupt. There is no one who is responsible and incorruptible. How sad.

Moh Sleiman Wednesday, 22 November 2023 05:39 AM

Please dont act Dumb,Without The RAJAPAKSHAS influance no one loots to this extent and no one has ever looted the country like the RAJAPAKSHAS, no one can deny that and there is sufficiant proof,How the hell can he own a bloody hotel in Dubai?It is very Dissapointing to call your self a SRI LANKAN.

ANNECUNT Thursday, 23 November 2023 03:16 PM

a testbook must be written in sinhalese how sri-lanka was ruined by rajapase and and must be a suject in schools . we dont want our future generation to be like rajapaksas

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Another VAT fraud: coal imports under-invoiced, COPA orders probe

Comments - 16

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

AstraZeneca admits for first time its COVID vaccine can cause rare side effect

An Int’l summit avoids Sri Lanka due to beggar menace in Colombo

Oil and gas exploration halted by prolonged legal dispute

Government defends outsourcing of visa process

Ranil’s evolving strategy to win 2024 presidential poll

Not AirAsia bidding to acquire SriLankan: Capital A CEO clarifies

MIRROR CRICKET

World Cup finalist named in USA T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Co-hosts West Indies announce squad for T20 World Cup

LPL 2024 Player Auction on May 21

ICC announce Match Officials for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Protesting medical students tear-gassed

Fisherman arrested for amassing Rs.90Mn assets beyond his means

Sri Lanka drops 15 positions in World Press Freedom Index: Ranks 150

Young Lawyers flay Tiran for calling eliminating criminals not a sin

World Cup finalist named in USA T20 World Cup 2024 squad

Co-hosts West Indies announce squad for T20 World Cup

LPL 2024 Player Auction on May 21

ICC announce Match Officials for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024