Four Sri Lanka Customs officials sentenced to 35 years for accepting bribe

Court decision

Four former Sri Lanka Customs officials were each sentenced to 35 years in prison by the Colombo High Court today (November 6).

They were found guilty of soliciting a bribe of Rs. 150 million and accepting Rs. 125 million in 2015 to release bus spare parts worth Rs. 1,500 million, imported for the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), by evading customs duties.

Each of the convicted individuals was also fined Rs. 125 million.

The verdict was delivered by Colombo High Court Judge Namal Balalle.

The bribery case was filed by the Director General of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC).

The bribe was accepted by the customs officials from a businessman in the Panchikawatta area to facilitate the release of the imported spare parts.