Incidence of thefts on rise at Colombo Port, say reports

Colombo: There are over 2000 motor vehicles lying at the Colombo Port of which over 400 are detained by Sri Lanka Customs for investigations and around 650 vehicles have been forfeited.


Vehicles detained by Customs and forfeited are assigned a highly secure location pending sale by tender under Finance Ministry instructions.


It has been found that high value vehicles some which have been assigned to be handed over to Government Ministers has been forced open and interior accessories removed.


The Customs has complained to the Foreshore police on the increase in thefts within the port damaging the confidence of importers, exporters and investors.


Deputy Director General Customs Central Sales Jayampthi Perera refused to comment and sources said that it is beyond their control and up to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority to provide security.


Ports Authority Security division sources said that certain motor vehicles are abandoned for long at the Port for not paying Customs duty.


'If importers clear the vehicles on time it could avoid pilferages to a greater extent,' they said. According to SLPA sources due to the non-cleaerance of motor vehicles from the Port it looks like a junk yard.


There are several instances of goods pilferage at the SLPA warehouses.


Secretary, All Ceylon General Port Employees' Union Chandrasiri Mahagamage said that nobody has reported to them any malpractice and irregularities at the Customs when clearing motor vehicles.