Corruption allegations after unfit fish lorry escapes custody

The owner of a fish lorry has accused Puttalama - Thilladiya Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) of accepting a Rs. 20,000 bribe to avoid legal action against a consignment of fish deemed unfit for consumption.

The PHIs, however, claim the driver fled with the lorry while legal procedures were being prepared.

The incident occurred yesterday morning (2) while the lorry was transporting fish from Pulmoddai to Colombo.

PHIs stopped the vehicle after discovering that the ice had melted, leaving the fish consignment in a condition unsuitable for human consumption. Two PHIs then directed the lorry to the Thilladiya Medical Officer of Health (MOH) office in Puttalama.

However the lorry owner claims that after the driver informed him of the inspection, the PHIs demanded a Rs. 25,000 bribe to release the vehicle. The owner states he paid Rs. 20,000 and was allowed to take the lorry.

But when questioned about the bribery and release of the unfit fish, the PHIs initially insisted the lorry was still in their custody. They later changed their statement, claiming that the driver had fled with the vehicle while they were preparing to file legal charges, and that they were in pursuit.

The PHIs reportedly filed a complaint with the Puttalama Police only hours after the incident occurred.

As a result, authorities have so far been unable to trace the lorry or the unfit fish consignment, which was being transported from the North Western Province into the Western Province.