Be honest, President tells Customs

Chaminda Perera

President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the bicentennial celebrations of the Sri Lanka Customs at the BMICH yesterday called on Customs officials to be honest in discharging their duties.

The President said that over 50 precent of the country's revenue is generated by the Customs Department and the officials who work tirelessly with dedication and commitment deserve public credit.

A handful of officials can put the Customs Department and the services of dedicated officials into disrepute , the President stressed.

He said the people underrate the services of honest officials due to the misconduct of a few officials. President Rajapaksa said the Customs officials have fringe benefits including various allowances which no other Government official is entitled to.

"The officials who place professional dignity above petty and narrow financial gains should stand up against the officials who are engaged in activities detrimental to the reputation of an institution , President Rajapaksa added.

He said the Customs Department for the first time is steered by an officer who has more than 30 years experience and he should take appropriate measures to secure the dignity of the institution.

"The Police department has fallen into disrepute due to the misconduct of a few persons. The public lose faith in the police due to the misbehaviour of a few elements in the department.

The President said every institution in the country is facing this situation.

"Your service is indispensable to stand on our own feet without begging funds for development from external sources," the President said. He said the Customs officials have a social responsibility to protect the artifacts of the country. "They are bound to protect the country's fauna and flora and wildlife too", he said.

The President said the Customs Department should close the loopholes through which fraudsters can enter. He said the officials should be armed with new technology and latest knowledge in the field.