Four former Customs officers were sentenced to 35 years of rigorous imprisonment by the Colombo High Court for their involvement in a high-profile bribery case.
The officers were found guilty of soliciting a bribe of Rs 125 million from a businessman in 2015, in exchange for releasing spare parts intended for Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses.
The bribery was uncovered during an investigation into corruption within the Customs Department, and the accused were charged with demanding the large sum for facilitating the clearance of the goods.
The High Court's ruling marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight against corruption within government institutions, with the court emphasizing the severity of the offense and its impact on public trust.
The convicted individuals, all former officers, are expected to serve their sentences in a high-security prison, and the court has also ordered the confiscation of any ill-gotten wealth.
