The Lanka Custom Services Union says around 2,000 containers remain uncleared at the import division due to their union action.

The average income of between Rs. 1.5 billion to Rs. 2 billion to the state from the cargo inspection and import divisions dropped to Rs. 900 million by yesterday (22), its secretary J.A. Gunatilake has told BBC Sandeshaya.

He urged retired Customs officers not to betray the department which had benefitted their lives.

Gunatilake added that they would not be intimidated by threats issued by the finance minister.

Meanwhile, joint opposition’s Dinesh Gunawardena told the media yesterday the obstinate conduct of the government had rendered the customs, excise and inland revenue departments inactive.

Also speaking there, MP Vasudeva Nanayakkara said the stubborn government would not last very long.

He told the government not to suppress trade unions, and warned the country would be in anarchy if the situation continued further.