Highest fine imposed on MP Raheem: Siyambalapitiya

25 May 2023 02:34 pm - 21 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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MP Ali Sabri Raheem, who was charged with smuggling gold, was imposed the highest fine in the recent past in relation to the quantity of gold seized, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said today.

He told Parliament that there was no irregularity in releasing the MP and said anyone who was detained for a similar offense is released within twenty-four hours as per the Customs Ordinance if the fine is paid.

The Minister said this in response to an allegation made by SJB MP Ranjith Madduma Bandara that Ali Sabri Raheem was imposed a lesser fine whereas threefold of the value of the seized gold is imposed as fines in normal circumstances.

MP Madduma Bandara said if someone was caught with gold, a fine of threefold of the value of the seized gold is imposed as fine and added that MP Raheem was imposed a fine of only Rs. 7.5 million whereas the value of gold in his possession was more than Rs. 70 million.

The Minister said the threefold fine is the maximum fine and that the maximum fine is not usually imposed and added that MP Raheem was imposed the highest fine in the recent past in relation to the quantity of gold seized.(Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)

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Comments - 21

L Jaya Thursday, 25 May 2023 02:58 PM

What a flimsy excuse for imposing low fine

dickie bird Thursday, 25 May 2023 03:10 PM

Siyambalapitiya, your explanation is not acceptable in regard to the fine imposed on MP Rahim.

Observer Thursday, 25 May 2023 03:23 PM

Is there a different system in imposing fines for anyone attempting to smuggle in Narcotics ?

ANTON Thursday, 25 May 2023 03:24 PM

THAT WILL ALSO BE PAID FROM POOR PEOPLE'S TAX MONEY.

Dudley Thursday, 25 May 2023 03:39 PM

Now he needs to disclose who was the friend who gave him the gold and that person also needs to be investigated

BuffaloaCitizen Thursday, 25 May 2023 04:50 PM

The fine is not the issue, the issue is the activity he is involved. How many of you guys (and we know all of you are first class crooks) walk in and out through these Airports using your authority smuggling worse items? Now will this fellows Sabri Raheem get kicked out of parliament or continue as a hero like all the other crooks inside parliament?

BuffaloaCitizen Thursday, 25 May 2023 04:50 PM

The fine is not the issue, the issue is the activity he is involved. How many of you guys (and we know all of you are first class crooks) walk in and out through these Airports using your authority smuggling worse items? Now will this fellows Sabri Raheem get kicked out of parliament or continue as a hero like all the other crooks inside parliament?

Kpa Thursday, 25 May 2023 05:43 PM

So the MP was rich enough to pay the fine within couple of hrs ? Who and where did he find the money?

Shabeer Iqbal Thursday, 25 May 2023 05:47 PM

No chance of paying fine. Please share the receipt for fine.

Tissa Fernando Thursday, 25 May 2023 06:22 PM

Gold may have gone back to Raheem through the back door.

Mohamed Ifaz Inamdeen Thursday, 25 May 2023 06:42 PM

The government must allow people to carry gold voluntarily with freedom like in Dubai. Why the customs unit of this country keep a hawkish eye on gold?

neil Thursday, 25 May 2023 06:59 PM

what? Highest fine? What was the value of contraband when the previous highest value was imposed? Does the minister think a fine of 7.5mill is Ok for 70 mils? At least 70 million should have been imposed if threefold 210 mills cannot be done. Who was actively discussing the penalty with customers?

neil Thursday, 25 May 2023 06:59 PM

what? Highest fine? What was the value of contraband when the previous highest value was imposed? Does the minister think a fine of 7.5mill is Ok for 70 mils? At least 70 million should have been imposed if threefold 210 mills cannot be done

neil Thursday, 25 May 2023 07:01 PM

VIP walk thru should be thru Xray. Parliament, ministers, Take immediate action to introduce. People cannot tolerate it anymore. Cannot trust

Dee Thursday, 25 May 2023 07:12 PM

Recently a person was released after paying a fine much lower. Maybe he is also connected politically. He was a regular short term traveler, hence a professional smuggler. I suppose you have to be a politician to get highlighted in parliament debates. Said that- the act committed is totally wrong and any decent Representative of the people should resign on his own will even though he paid above the stipulated fine!

San Thursday, 25 May 2023 08:11 PM

From where did he get Rs.7.5m cash to settle the fine? An inquiry should be made with this regard. For what reason did he go to Dubai? Who is this friend he says he had undertaken the contract from?

johan Thursday, 25 May 2023 09:01 PM

Green Channel (VIP LOUNGE) should not be used by SL politicians except President and PM and foreign dignitaries.Our parliamentarians take advantage of this facility for them to do all malpractices even smuggling black money and drugs etc.Otherwise it must go through heavy scanner

Anthony. R Thursday, 25 May 2023 09:54 PM

Inland revenue over to you. Please check this smugglers income,and assets. Is he above the law. Shame for the parliament also.

Gamini Friday, 26 May 2023 09:29 AM

Imposing a fine has no meaning unless it is paid. If he paid, where did he get that much money form. Even Sirisina is imposed with a fine. But has not bothered to pay it, and will never pay it.

Jude Friday, 26 May 2023 10:47 AM

These guys are sponsoring RANIL'S presidential election campaign!! Yeah!!

Anti Smuggler Friday, 26 May 2023 09:01 PM

Acting Finance Minister boasts over 10% fine instead of 300%. Ruling party crooks safeguarding each other. Dares to fool the people too.

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Highest fine imposed on MP Raheem: Siyambalapitiya

Comments - 21

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