Customs trade unions yesterday (28) said that they agree with the revised Customs rewards system, adding that it was agreed on by the Customs trade unions, the Customs administration, and the relevant subject ministers.

The Customs Officers’ Association President J.G.A. Sanjeewa, told The Daily Morning that there is no issue with regard to the revised system, which allocates 50% of the money received through Customs fines for the Government, 5% for the Customs’ compensation fund, and 45% for Customs officers. With regard to media reports about internal disagreements about the revised system, Sanjeewa explained that regardless of minor disagreements, generally, the Customs administration and the Customs trade unions work with understanding and collaboratively, and that the opinions of the trade unions are taken into account when making such decisions. 

However, he expressed concerns about the plans to amend the Customs Ordinance, adding that there are certain disagreements with some of the proposed amendments. He explained that certain amendments that have been presented are different from the amendments that were initially agreed upon by Customs trade unions, the subject ministers, and the President.

The Customs’ reward system became a topic of discussion after a report issued by the National Audit Office said that sizable rewards have been paid to Customs officials and informants during the past decade and that the State coffers have lost a considerable amount of income. In this context, the Government decided to revise the applicable reward and the compensation systems.

“Media reports portray officials receiving rewards as if they have defrauded money. But, that is unfair. Customs is proud of the officials who have received bigger rewards, as they have contributed more and have caught more illegal acts,” Sanjeewa added, noting that such big amounts cannot be paid in an illegal manner.