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Special Audit Tabled in Parliament / CID & CIABOC InquiryGotabaya Rajapaksa Administration (2019–2022) • Year: 2020
Sugar Import Special Commodity Levy (SCL) Reduction Revenue Loss
Category: PROCUREMENT • Investigating Authority: Auditor General's Department / Committee on Public Finance (COPF) / CID
Named Parties / Involved Entities:
Wilmar International / Pyramid Wilmar Ltd • Ministry of Finance Officials (2020)
Verified Allegation / Matter Summary
On October 13, 2020, the government abruptly reduced the Special Commodity Levy on imported white sugar from Rs. 50 per kg to 25 cents per kg (a 99.5% reduction) under the stated aim of lowering consumer prices. However, market retail prices remained unchanged while a single major importer imported unprecedented quantities, generating windfall profits without consumer relief.
Documented Public Financial Impact
Rs. 16.76 Billion
Judicial Proceedings & Current Legal Status
⚖ Auditor General tabled special audit report in Parliament in 2022. CID and CIABOC conducting inquiries into insider trade awareness prior to Gazette publication. Fundamental rights applications filed in Supreme Court.
Case Timeline & Procedural Milestones
2020-10-13
Gazette Extraordinary issued slashing sugar SCL from Rs. 50 to 25 cents per kg.
2021-03-09
COPF Chair and opposition raise massive import volume spike by specific consignees.
2022-04-20
Auditor General releases Special Audit Report confirming Rs. 16.76B Treasury loss.
Auditor General & Forensic Audit Citations
Auditor General Report No. MOF/2022/01 confirmed Treasury revenue forfeited while retail prices remained at Rs. 120–135/kg.