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| Friday, 25 February 2005 |
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It is learnt that distorted information are being circulated with malicious intentions to discredit the Government in relation to the recent initiatives to streamline the enforcement of Custom Laws and other regulatory arrangements on goods donated to Sri Lanka, states a Finance Ministry press release yesterday. The Government wishes to categorically state that it has no intention whatsoever of imposing duties on relief consignments for Government revenue purposes. All consignments carrying such relief items as long as they are handed over to the Director, Social Services or to the Secretary to the Ministry of Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction will not be liable for any duties, taxes or port charges. Such items will be used only for welfare purposes. This facility is available till April 26, 2005 to ensure that all shipments already made will not have any liabilities on account of custom duties and taxes or port charges. The Government also wishes to note that so many unwanted items are found in these consignments. Sri Lanka is harvesting a bumper rice crop and it is not in the interest of Sri Lankan farmers to send rice as donations since rice can be adequately procured locally for relief measures. A large quantum of cooking oil, biscuits, noodles, bottle water are also already available in unmanageable quantities. Many such products can also be procured from domestic producers and suppliers and therefore affect local market. Nevertheless what has been received and continued to be received by the relevant authorities are being distributed to the affected areas and to those in welfare centers and elderly homes. None of them will be auctioned to generate money but will be channelled to appropriate government agencies to be distributed among deserving people. It is also noted that certain consumable items received have passed the stipulated date of expiry. Items such as shampoos, used clothes, communication equipment etc., have also been received. Large quantities of tents are being received and it is observed that some are not suitable for local conditions. The Customs and regulatory agencies are required to enforce the accepted regulatory requirements such as quarantine regulations, health standards, environmental and National Security consideration. All regular donors are familiar with such practices and are aware that no additional requirements have been imposed. It is possible that certain delays occur at the Customs where examinations are done but this is entirely due to the receipt of large consignments with many consumables not required for relief work at this juncture. While thanking all donors for their generous contributions and solidarity, the Government wishes to appeal to all donors to limit their consignments to most essential medical items, infant food etc. It is best that prior verifications are made on current requirements from Sri Lankan Missions abroad to directly from the Center for Non-Governmental Sector (CNGS) of the Ministry of Finance and Planning before making shipping arrangements. The Government also appreciates that those organisations who wish to participate in relief programs make every attempt to procure products available in Sri Lanka locally and limit importation to items for those not available in the domestic market. |
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