GoSL loses Rs. 40 million in revenue through foreign liquor re-export scam

Sri Lanka Customs said the liquor had been imported by a private company that owns a bonded warehouse located at Seeduwa adding the said container had been imported in 2018 under the special customs scheme where the disposal is allowed at a duty-free basis for the Airport Duty-free shops, if not duty has to be paid at the time of releasing to the local market and for the purpose of re-exportation as well.

According to the declaration made to the Customs, 11,257 liters of foreign liquor was to be inside the said container.

However, at the examination, it was found the contents were 1179 boxes of 1L bottled mineral water.

Sri Lanka Customs suspects the foreign liquor which was imported on a duty-free basis had been released to the local market without paying the levies due to the state.

The estimated revenue loss to the government is Rs. 40 million.

Further investigations are being carried out by the Preventive Directorate of Sri Lanka Customs and seven separate parties are being questioned in connection with this malpractice.