Customs officials launch strike against new DG

Colombo (News1st): Customs Personnel have stepped away from their stations as a mark of protest against the decision taken to appoint a Retired Navy Officer to the post of Customs Director General. Cabinet Approval was granted yesterday to remove the present Director General of Customs and appoint Retired Rear Admiral Dr Shamal Fernando to the post. Customs officers have stepped away from all stations excluding the Bandaranaike International Airport, Air Cargo Terminal, and Export Divisions. The Customs trade unions point out that the appointment of the previous five Customs Director Generals since 2015 were done based on political needs. The Union adds that these political appointments have crippled the administrative activities of the Customs department and become an obstacle to achieve the department's long term goals. The union pointed out that according to the rules and regulations the post of Director General of Customs should be held by a state administrative officer or an officer serving at the special grade of the Sri Lanka Customs services. The Customs trade unions say they will continue their trade union action until this procedure is changed.