State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya has inspected two containers consisting of over 11 kilos of beedi leaves that had been imported under the guise of Cilantro (Koththamalli/ Coriander) and taken into the custody of Sri Lanka Customs.

State Minister Siyambalapitiya said that the containers imported from India were found to be holding 11.460 kilos of beedi leaves.

He further said that although a tax amount of Rs. 70 million should be charged for the containers, a tax of around Rs. 300,000 has been charged due to it being imported as cilantro.

Stating that the containers had been detected due to the exceptional skills of the customs officials, the State Minister said, however, a well-known professional has been continuously exerting pressure for the release of the containers.

State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya said that steps will be taken to conduct an investigation via the Bribery Commission into the matter.

He further assured that the safety of the customs officers who work with exceptional commitment to increase the country’s income will be ensured as much as possible.