Customs ‘cozy trends’ could only addressed through well rewarding system: Minister

26 January 2026 08:06 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 6 Bookmark

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Colombo, January 26 (Daily Mirror) - The prevailing ‘cozy trends’ of Sri Lanka Customs that usually lead to allegations of bribes and corruption could be addressed only through a well rewarding system, Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha said today.

He said by increasing the rewards for the Customs officials the gaps of these so-called cozy trends could be reduced thus narrowing any opportunities for the perpetrators to bribe.

The Labour Minister and Finance and Planning Deputy Minister made these remarks when attending the International Customs Day 2026 celebrations held at the Sri Lanka Customs Headquarters in Fort this morning.

He said mechanisms are in place in the Customs to grant its staff rewards but these mechanisms have their own weaknesses. When some sectors of officials are rewarded that would negatively affect the employees of another sector.

“There are ‘cozy trends’ that exist in the Customs and that is the reason why these talks of allegations of bribes take place. Because of these cozy trends a window of opportunity is always open for the perpetrators to bribe the officials”.

“We are in the process of discussing how best we can solve this issue by introducing a better reward system to Customs and other areas as well.

But we will need more time for this as we are navigating the country through some difficulties. We have stabilized the economy, but we need to have sustainable and inclusive economic growth and resilient economic growth to face these kinds of problems in future, Minister Jayantha said.

Customs Director General Seevali Arukgoda and many other dignitaries took part at the International Customs Day 2026 celebrations, which was held under the theme of ‘Customs Protecting Society through Vigilance and Commitment’.

A group of Customs officials who were recognized for their commitment in detecting unlawful items were felicitated during the special ceremony.

Comments - 6

Best Monday, 26 January 2026 09:00 PM

Why don't you apply those cozy trends to other sectors as well to stimulate growth

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Adwani Monday, 26 January 2026 09:25 PM

Whether the rewarding system is implemented or not, these hooks are hell bent on stealing public funds and rewarding themselves. It was already appeared in the Auditor Generals report, that they are highly rewarding themselves, even under normal circumstances. OT without attendance, bribes, stealing from the siezed cargo, etc.

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Helanka Monday, 26 January 2026 10:39 PM

Can you get the Rewards equal to the Bribes being paid? Kindly explain.

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Jayampathi Gunasekera Monday, 26 January 2026 11:39 PM

The basic ethics of any employee whether in public or private sectors is not to accept bribes or involve in corruption. If they are not satisfied with their remuneration, they should look for additional opportunities that are legal and ethical. If they cannot find opportunities, they must move to another profession or vocation or migrate to another country. Under any circumstances, should anyone be fraudulent or corrupt or it should not be justified that customs salaries are low or rewards are not attractive. But reviewing the rewards and improving it is welcome.

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Jayantha Tuesday, 27 January 2026 02:47 AM

A retired customs officer, now residing in Melbourne, reportedly acquired significant wealth. They purchased six properties, funded international school education for their three children, acquired vehicles, and supported their pursuit of higher education in Melbourne. Unlike many Sri Lankan undergraduates, their children completed their tertiary education in Melbourne without engaging in part-time work. They have secured successful careers as engineers and medical professionals, leading comfortable lives in Australia. This account relates to one customs officer. I plan to ask the minister about the total number of customs officers employed by Sri Lankan customs.

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Mori Tuesday, 27 January 2026 05:50 PM

Until u find a transparent way ur not done...can u install CCTV camera in the customs areas or Of all the money paid there comes under goverment audits...??

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