Convener of their association W.M.R.T. Wijekoon alleges the new laws have been prepared to serve the wants of the finance minister.

The existing ordinance ensures increases in tax revenue, and it had so far been amended 50 times, and if needed it can be amended again, without introducing a new ordinance, Wijekoon adds.

The finance minister started formulating a new ordinance on 02 January 2016 with the involvement of three persons who had nothing to do with customs, but had been paid Rs. nine million for the task.

The new proposals support ministry officials engaged in businesses, reduces powers of the customs director general and gives more powers to the finance minister, Wijekoon charges.

Formulated by incorporating customs laws of India, Singapore and Malaysia, the new ordinance will take customs officers to the gallows, he cautions.