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Probe on customs sold confiscated ’Hummer’ to same importer at undervalue: Minister

5 October 2022 02:26 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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It was revealed in Parliament today that a Rs. 40 million worth Hummer vehicle which was seized by the customs Department has been sold at an auction to the same person who illegally imported it for lesser than 33% of the estimated value.

State Finance Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said he had called for a report over the incident.

The Minister said this in response to a question raised by Parliamentarian Vasudewa Nanayakkara.

The Minister said the Hummer had been estimated by the Customs as Rs. 40 million and that it had been sold at an auction by the Customs tender board for Rs. 27.5 million.

"The tender board has no authority to auction a confiscated vehice 10% below the estimated value. I have called for a report within two weeks as to how it was auctioned below the estimated value to the same person who imported it illegally," he said.

In response to the question, the Minister said a Lamborghini, a Rolls Royce and two Hummers had been imported to Sri Lanka illegally in February 2022 despite the ban on vehicle imports.

He said those vehicles were confiscated by the Customs and auctioned for Rs. 1,503 million and added that one Hummer had been sold to the same importer far below the estimated value.(Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)

Comments - 12

Kumara Wednesday, 05 October 2022 02:43 PM

Is corruption pandemic among ruling class? How can one trust you to make Sri Lanka prosperous?.

BuffaloaCitizen Wednesday, 05 October 2022 03:38 PM

Rajapakse hench-aiya's are still in control and actually doing better.

Aragalaya Wednesday, 05 October 2022 03:53 PM

Hope a genuine probe will be done and the public will be given the facts of the probe and the culprits involved including those from Customs.

Rolls Royce next to 3 wheeler! Wednesday, 05 October 2022 04:06 PM

Do we have super rich people in Sri Lanka, who can afford to import luxury vehicles like Rolls Royce or Lamborghini into the country. Wov! These super luxury vehicles and 3 wheelers with 2 Sri number plate, side by side! What a wonderful nation! Can I kiss your feet, if you have washed?

nimal Wednesday, 05 October 2022 04:36 PM

investigate the custom auctioned Rolles Roys DAWN and Lamborgini Aventador parts as well...

Food first religious place last Wednesday, 05 October 2022 05:37 PM

What can be done if these supremely V8 vehicles have no other bidders for closer than the estimated value. However, the illegal importation should maybe be further discouraged by importers, by not only confiscating, but also fining them so stiffly like 75% of estimated value as well. Otherwise another better option is force export and only for auction for international bidders who will ship these monstrous vehicles away. Sending them away even for 10% of estimated value should mean our country has not got any illegally imported vehicle on the road ever.

DPerera Wednesday, 05 October 2022 05:41 PM

So what? If he is the highest bidder at the auction he deserves to get it. Perhaps the value estimated by custom may be too high.

Shiran Wednesday, 05 October 2022 06:57 PM

Amazing things happen in this Land like No Other. No dollars to import essential items but luxury vehicles are brought in

Ben Thursday, 06 October 2022 02:40 AM

Name the importer, for public awareness

Nimal Perera Thursday, 06 October 2022 03:02 AM

Hold the DG of Customs accountable. Sack them and set an example!

Athula Thursday, 06 October 2022 03:05 AM

The Customs Dept. is the MOST corrupt institution in SL.

Kumar Thursday, 06 October 2022 07:16 AM

Those hummers are fakes. The shown hummer is built on a platform of another cheaper SUV. Original Humvee is the real thing.

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Probe on customs sold confiscated ’Hummer’ to same importer at undervalue: Minister

Comments - 12

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