The three customs officers who were arrested by the Bribery Commission while accepting a bribe of Rs. 125 million have been further remanded until November 13 by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Customs Superintendent Sujeewa Parakrama Jinadasa, Deputy Customs Superintendent Jagath Gunathilake and Assistant Customs Superintendent M.D.U.G. Perera were arrested while soliciting the bribe at a location in Colombo on October 15.

It is said to be the largest ever recorded bribe nabbed by the Commission to Investigate Allegation of Bribery or Corruption.

The customs officers in question had informed a foreign company that a post audit had found a payment of Rs 1,500 million was required for the release of a consignment of spare parts, to be used by the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB).

However, when representatives of the company had stated that they were not legally obliged to make such a payment, the customs officers had negotiated to waive off the payment if they agreed to pay a bribe of Rs 150 million.

The representatives of the foreign company had then informed the Bribery Commission and following discussion the bribe was reduced to Rs 125 million.

The customs officers were arrested while accepting the bribe from the company representatives at an agreed location in Colombo.