Customs checks on Islamic books

It was reported in a weekend newspaper that the Customs will keep a tab on Islamic books brought into Sri Lanka, and that these books will be released, only after obtaining the green light of the Ministry of Defence. This is to prevent terrorism-related material being brought into the country. With all and sundry having access to the World Wide Web (Internet), WhatsApp, YouTube, E-books, etc., isn’t the above operation and its objective nullified?

Therefore, the Customs should, instead, focus on contrabands coming into the country. How about garbage that is being imported? How about some big-time importers distorting Custom declaration (CusDec) – making mention of one item, whereas what is in fact in the container is something else?

Government also should go all out to implement some system to eliminate bribery and corruption, which is rampant in the Customs, resulting in loss of revenue for the state coffers.

MOHAMED ZAHRAN

Colombo