This case was detected on 22.02.2020 at Air CargoExport Terminal,Katunayaka. A consignment of “Edible Fish” containing 11 boxes, total net weight declared: 112.30kg, total value declared: LKR 144,042/- was to be exported to Hong Kong via CX610 flight by an export company located at Kandana, Sri Lanka. In this consignment 02 boxes weighing 20 kg was declared as Cephalopholisspiloparaea fish species. Upon examination it was revealed that the species inside are not the declared one instead it was Cephalopholissonnerati which is a protected species, hence prohibited to be exported.
Exportation of this fish species is a violation of Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235) read withThe Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act, No. 2 of 1996 and Extraordinary Gazette No. 2014/04 of 11.04.2017. Regulations made under this act/ gazette notification, No person shall catch, possess, transport, purchase, exhibit for sale, sell or export the fish species Thambuwa(Cephalopholissonnerati) within Sri Lanka or Sri Lanka Waters. The goods were forfeited and penalty of LKR 20,000/- was imposed.
