(Parliament . Sri Lanka)
Sri Lanka Independent Government Trade Union Organisation (SLIGTUO) of the Customs Department yesterday complained that President Maitripala Sirisena had failed to launch a probe into a mega racket which had deprived the country of Rs. 7,200 mn.
In a letter addressed to President Sirisena, the SLIGTUO has pointed out that he promised trade unionists on March 09 that he would immediately set up an independent committee comprising retired judges to probe the racket. However, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake and his secretary were not present on that day though the unionists wanted to discuss the matter with them in front of the President.
The SLIGTUO has condemned a speech made by Finance Minister Karunanayake recently for distorting facts about their meeting with the President over the Prado scam.
The SLIGTUO letter sent to the President on March 28 has been copied to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesighe and SLFP General Secretary, Mahinda Amaraweera. The unionists have urged the incumbent President to set up a committee to probe the mega scam as promised.
Unionists complain that the President has not yet replied to their letter though it was sent to him by registered post.
The SLIGTUO has accused Customs Director General Chulananda Perera of having provided false information to the President.
The unionists have asked the President why the Finance Minister and Customs Director General were allowed to curtail the powers of the customs investigating officers to probe frauds.
By Madura Ranwala
Island