Nagalanda Kodithuwakku Demands Sri Lankan Customs DG to Act on Judgement
Civil activist Nagananda Kodithuwakku has issued a firm call for the Sri Lankan Customs Director General to immediately execute a court ruling regarding the contentious importation of BMW vehicles, which imposes a massive financial liability on the importer.
The case, which has been a subject of public interest for an extended period, centers on the legality of import documentation and the classification of vehicles. The courts have determined that the previous verdict regarding the importation of BMW cars must stand, compelling the importer to settle billions of rupees in unpaid import duties.
The Core Demand
Kodithuwakku emphasized that the judiciary has spoken, and the executive arm must now act without delay. He stressed that the failure to implement this specific judgement could set a dangerous precedent, effectively rendering judicial decisions meaningless in the face of administrative inaction. The activist has reportedly submitted formal communications to the relevant authorities, urging them to ignore any external influence and proceed with the recovery process as dictated by the law.
The Legal Background
The controversy dates back to allegations that certain high-value luxury vehicles were imported under preferential duty rates or through misdeclaration. The legal battle involved scrutinizing the valuation of the vehicles and the applicable tax brackets. With the judgement now finalized, the legal framework mandates that the Customs Department issue the necessary recovery orders, including potential penalties and interest on the outstanding sum, which collectively amount to billions of rupees.
Implementation Hurdles
Despite the clarity of the judgement, there have been significant delays in enforcement. This is a recurring challenge in Sri Lanka’s legal and administrative landscape, where bureaucratic inertia or external pressures often stall the recovery of large state revenues. Kodithuwakku has warned that any further delay constitutes a dereliction of duty by the Customs DG and could expose the department to legal action for contempt of court or failure to uphold the rule of law.
Public Interest and Revenue
For civil society, this case represents a litmus test for the state’s commitment to fiscal discipline and anti-corruption. The recovery of these funds is not merely a punitive measure against an importer but a necessity for the state treasury, which is currently facing severe economic constraints. Kodithuwakku argues that failing to collect these legally owed duties is akin to stealing from the public purse.
Next Steps
The Director General of Customs is now under immense pressure to sign off on the final assessment and hand over the recovery notice to the relevant banks or authorities to freeze assets if payment is not forthcoming. The activist has vowed to take the matter to the Supreme Court if the Customs DG fails to act within a reasonable timeframe, escalating the fight to ensure that “justice is not only done but seen to be done.”