Two luxury vehicles imported by the Electricity Board from the donations for Tsunami lie in the Colombo Port for failure to pay the Custom’s duty.

This comes to light in the wake of allegations about the abuse of the donations sent for Tsunami relief and rehabilitation work. Therefore, the import of luxury vehicles in such a manner cannot be easily dismissed.

According to information available, this money was allocated to the Ceylon Electricity Board by the Treasury from Tsunami funds. This money was allocated for a special project which provided for supply of electricity to Tsunami affected areas.

According to knowledgeable circles, the treasury had laid down conditions that this fund should not be used for any other purposes including the import luxury vehicles. Therefore, it is clear that these vehicles have been imported violating the conditions laid by the Treasury.

In the above circumstances, there arises a question as to on what basis a Tender Board approved the import of these luxury vehicles. Who are the officials responsible for these violations? Another question is what action will be taken against these errant officials? What was their motive? Was the Tender Board unaware of the conditions laid down by the Treasury?

There should be a probe into all these related matters. Although priority should be given to Tsunami relief and rehabilitation, nothing constructive has been done during the last two years.

An English translation of the Editorial in Thinakkural , a Tamil daily, based in Colomobo

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