Despite regulations mandating the distribution of such funds according to a scheme approved by the minister of finance, the National Audit Office (NAO) recently reported that Customs had disbursed funds without the required ministerial approval.

Sri Lanka Customs Senior Director and Spokesman Seevali Arukgoda stated that there must be an authorisation granted by the minister many years ago. However, he emphasised that it could not be located due to its age.

“It is not available with the Finance Ministry or with Customs since it is very old. Nobody would take the responsibility to distribute such funds without the approval of the minister; the issue is that it cannot be located,” he said.