The Customs had uncollected tax revenue to the tune of Rs. 61 billion by end-2022, according to the auditor general.
This is mentioned in an audit submitted to parliament along with the Customs performance report for the year.
According to the AG, 63 percent of that outstanding amount was due from the Finance Ministry.
Also, Rs. 23 billion, or 38 pc, is import taxes with as much as Rs. 22 billion that remain uncollected for more than four years.
Also included are 26 pc of special commodity levy, 17 pc of port and airport development levy and 10 pc of CESS.
Noting that Rs. 23 billion had gone to pay cash rewards to Customs officers and informants between 1999 and 2022, the AG recommended an acceptable mechanism with agreement from the finance minister.
The report questioned Rs. three billion of salaries and other allowances paid to 2,277 officers without supporting attendance records submitted.
(Lasantha Ruhunage – Anidda newspaper)
