By Niranjala
Ariyawansha

Sons of two leading government ministers were directly involved in the clearance of two containers, in the past two weeks, that possibly contained narcotics, weapons and ethanol, a leading Buddhist monk charged yesterday.

Ven. Dr. Omalpe Sobhitha Thera, Leader of the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU), told Ceylon Today that the government has converted this vital institution – Sri Lanka Customs – into a den of corruption that carries out the dictates of politicians and is shamelessly failing to perform its vital duty.Expressing his strong belief that the containers were carrying narcotics, weapons and ethanol, the Thera said: “In any country, the Customs Department performs a critical economic, political and cultural function. It has a strong mandate to curb and control illegal trade. Customs officers, who rummage through the personal belongings of poor migrant workers returning home, simply choose to turn a blind eye when it comes to children of powerful politicians, who dabble in illegal trade and release such cargo without any question.”

The JHU Leader demanded that Sri Lanka Customs declare to the public what was contained in the questionable containers which were mysteriously cleared by the two sons of powerful politicians.

The monk further demanded that the department should perform its duties without fail. If it cannot be restored to its former status, the Director General of Customs should immediately resign from the important post, he said adding, “If that does not happen, the minister-in-charge must accept responsibilityfor the declining standards and the corrupt practices and tender his resignation.”

Clarifying the JHU’s position with regard to the defamation suit filed by the party against Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, the monk explained, although the law suit was withdrawn, it did not mean the charge had been dropped. He insisting that the party’s original stance remained unchanged.

“The prime minster has sought forgiveness from our chief prelate. That is why the case was withdrawn. But our criticisms with regard to his conduct and the original allegation we levelled against him remain unaltered. He has to prove his innocence,” Ven. Sobhitha insisted.

COURTESY:Ceylon Today