A controverssy has arisen with the Ministry of Inustries granting permission to a private company — ULTRA ROOFING ENGINEERING (PVT) LTD in Kattankudy — to import tiles violating a ban imposed by the government.

The letter granting permission to the company has been issued by Ashok Kumarage, Director (Development) at the Ministry of Industries on January 07. The value of the tiles imported by the company amounts to over USD 51,000.

The same official has been instrumental in securing clearance for the imported items form the Sri Lanka Customs, Asian Mirror learns. He has written a letter to the Director General of Customs requesting the latter to release the tiles imported by the private company.

However, when contacted by Media, Minisitry Secretary Anusha Pelipita has stated that he was not aware of the permission granted to the company as he assumed duties on January 03.

"We have delegated authoirty to these officials with the trust that they will not violate the rules and regulations imposed by the government. We will conduct a comprehensive investigation into this incident and take stern action against the culprits," Peilpita said.