COLOMBO (NewsRadio); Air-passengers are expected to be banned from entering the country while wearing gold jewelry of more than 22-carat.
They will however be allowed if they obtain permission from the Imports and Exports Controller General prior to their arrival.
The Ministry of Finance issuing a statement said the government has decided to impose restrictions on air-passengers arriving in the island from wearing gold jewelry in a bid to curb smuggling of gold into the country.
State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya issuing a statement said the steps have been taken to prevent smuggling of gold into the country.
The statement noted that the new restriction will not be applicable to returning Sri Lankan expatriate workers or normal passengers.
The gazette in this regard is expected to the published in the coming week.
According to the statement, 50kg of gold are smuggled into the country daily.
The statement said on a regular basis, certain individuals leave for neighboring countries and return with 24-carat gold jewelry.
The Finance Ministry said due to the smuggling of gold, the government incurs a loss of nearly USD 30 million in income monthly.
