By Kushan Subasinghe

Parliament was told yesterday that the ruling UNP-led coalition had given major tax rebates to Avant Garde Maritime Services (AGMS) under investigation by different agencies, including the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The revelation was made by JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake. State Defence Minister Ruwan Wijewardene assured that the government would look into the matter and inform Parliament of its findings.

The government launched investigations into AGMS immediately after January 2015 presidential polls. Responding to a query by JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Minister Wijewardena said that the government would find out why AGMS paid Rs 255 mn less from Rs 853mn the company owed the state coffers.

MP Dissanayake expressed serious concern over the government giving special treatment to AGMS accused of tax evasion and other malpractices during the previous administration.

Courtesy:The Island