Customs back in Jaffna

Rasika SOMARATHNA

The Sri Lanka Customs is to re-establish their offices in the Jaffna peninsula after a lapse of 30 years. Assistant Customs Superintendent, Sagara Mahanama speaking from Jaffna yesterday said that the Customs operations would begin with the parcel post service initially, handled with the assistance of Sri Lanka Post.

They plan to establish baggage clearing warehouses. The other services too are to resume on a gradual basis. The Customs plan to establish offices in other identified northern locations as well in the near future.

Earlier the Jaffna peninsula alone housed five Customs offices in Jaffna, Point Pedro, Kayts, Welvetithurai and Kankesanturai.

Due to the conflict situation these offices were non functional during the last three decades. Some buildings are reported to have been destroyed owing to the conflict and the others are in a dilapidated condition. The Customs would begin their operations initially through the post office network.

A high level delegation from the customs are in Jaffna to expedite the process.