MP’s Office: Absolutely no basis for accusations

Former Customs Officer and Attorney-at-Law Nagananda Kodituwakku yesterday (25) said that the government owed an explanation with regard to the intervention made by UNP National List MP Vajira Abeywardena to secure the release of a consignment of gold forfeited by Customs recently.

Kodituwakku told The Island that he would move court against those responsible. The public litigation activist said that political intervention in this case (BIA/Case/011/2023) should be examined against the backdrop of Muslim National Alliance (MNA) MP Ali Sabri Raheem having to pay Rs 7.4 mn fine after his failed attempt to smuggle in Rs 74 mn worth gold in March this year.

Abeywardena’s Office said that there was absolutely no basis for this particular allegation. The Customs assured that the query raised by The Island would be inquired into.Kodituwakku said that the Customs had done away with the Rs 15 mn fine imposed on the offender to zero at a time the government was claiming financial difficulties.

(SF)