Member of Parliament Ali Sabri Raheem has been barred from parliamentary proceedings for a duration of one month. 

The decision was handed down by the Privileges Committee, which convened to address a matter that had caused insult to the Sri Lankan Parliament.

The incident in question pertains to Ali Sabri Rahim’s alleged illegal importation of a stock of gold and mobile phones into Sri Lanka. 

Deputy Speaker Ajith Rajapakse confirmed the committee’s decision.

In May 2023, Puttlam District MP Ali Sabri Raheem was detained by Sri Lanka Customs on  for the possession of Gold Biscuits.

Raheem was detained by Sri Lanka Customs at the Katunayake Airport upon arriving from Dubai.

He was detained for the possession of 3.5 kg of Gold Biscuits valued at over Rs. 70 Million. In addition, 91 mobile phones were also found in his possession.

State Finance Minister Dr. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya told News 1st that the 3.5 kg of gold and the mobile phones were confiscated by the state. 

The Parliamentarian was detained by Customs Officers when he was at the VIP lounge at the Katunayake Airport.