Colombo, Jan 29 (IANS): Sri Lanka Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa has said that as a policy, the government will not sell any national resources to foreigners, a media report said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks on Tuesday at a function held at the Sri Lanka Customs Headquarters to mark International Customs Day, the Colombo Page said in the report.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister said that the services of the Customs Department should be more efficient.

"We can promise that the events of the past ministry will not happen. We have great faith in you. It is your responsibility to exercise that trust and function more efficiently," he said.

The Prime Minister said despite the efforts many things were brought into the country without paying taxes and if the Customs can stop them, the state revenues can be increased further.

Pointing out that the development of the country depends on the state revenues, the Prime Minister said about 57 per cent of it was used for Sri Lanka's development.

The Prime Minister said the previous government sold the national resources belonged to the people of this country to foreigners.

"As a government policy, we are not going to sell any of our resources to foreigners," said Prime Minister.