He said this in response to a query made by Sri Lanka Mirror  regarding allegations that Minister Rishad had been involved in the removal of the Customs DG.

He noted that the Customs DG was removed based on a Cabinet decision and since it is a collective decision, he had not opposed it.

Accepting that he had only not opposed the Cabinet decision, he denied allegations made by the unions that he had a hand in the removal of the DG.

The Minister said that he would request the Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera to reinstate the Customs DG.

Bathiudeen said that when over 300,000 people had been displaced in Vavuniya in 2009 she had done a commendable service as the District Secretary. Her dedication and service was commended both locally and internationally, he said adding that the services of such clever officers should be supported.