Rs 250 Mn Gem Parcel Released Without Authorization

COLOMBO (News 1st); In a shocking revelation during a recent Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE) meeting, it was disclosed that a gem parcel worth 250 million rupees, which was seized by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority following a court order in 2024, was released without proper authorization.

The gem parcel was initially confiscated due to improper tax payments and was supposed to be exported only after fulfilling the necessary tax obligations. However, it was revealed that the parcel was released to the same company that attempted to export it illegally, with only a minimal fine imposed.

During the COPE meeting, MP Asitha Niroshan Egodawithana questioned the officials of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority about the release process and the lack of proper authorization. 

It was revealed that the decision to release the parcel was made without the approval of the Board of Directors, and the Attorney General was not consulted.

The Director of Export Services, Amal Tennakoon, admitted to releasing the parcel based on an order from the Director-General, despite the Auditor General's assertion that such a decision could not be made unilaterally.