October 25, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is preparing to launch a digital platform aimed at transforming the country’s trade processes, with the pilot phase of the National Single Window for Trade (NSW) set for late 2026 and full-scale implementation expected the following year.
The initiative, overseen by the Ministry of Finance, seeks to streamline cross-border trade by cutting through bureaucratic delays, reducing transaction costs, and improving overall efficiency. Project Director Neelakanth Wanninayake explained that the programme, which officially began on October 01, 2024, has already completed its preliminary phase and is now advancing towards implementation.
The initial stage, concluded in April 2025, involved a detailed assessment of 18 government agencies, evaluating their operational, technological, and legal readiness. This groundwork was carried out by Deloitte Advisory Services (Pvt) Ltd. The next phase, currently under way, will define the system’s functional and technical specifications, with KPMG contracted to lead this process and prepare bidding documentation for potential system vendors.
To formalise cooperation, the Finance Ministry has signed memoranda of understanding with all participating government bodies. A key policy decision is now pending on the technological framework of the NSW, with options including the development of a bespoke platform, adoption of the UNCTAD/ASYCUDA system, or acquisition of a commercial off-the-shelf solution. The Asian Development Bank has supported the evaluation through technical studies comparing available systems. A final decision, to be endorsed by the Cabinet, is expected by the end of 2025.
If timelines proceed as planned, vendor selection and mobilisation will be completed by mid-2025, paving the way for a phased rollout. The initial pilot will involve six institutions—Sri Lanka Customs, the Standards Institution, the Food Control Administrative Unit, the Import and Export Control Department, the National Plant Quarantine Service, and the Animal Quarantine Department—covering import, export, and transshipment activities.
The NSW will serve as a single online entry point through which traders can submit all regulatory documentation electronically, thereby reducing the need for in-person visits to multiple agencies. This digital gateway aims to create a transparent, paperless trading environment and fulfil Sri Lanka’s commitments under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement.
Looking ahead, authorities are examining several operational models for long-term management of the system after 2027. These range from a fully government-run framework to a public-private partnership model or a state-owned company, with financial sustainability and service quality identified as top priorities.
Acknowledging the project’s complexity, Wanninayake highlighted the need for close coordination among 18 government agencies across nine ministries. He also noted that rebuilding private-sector confidence, after years of stalled trade reforms, has been a key objective. To address this, the project implementation unit has introduced a comprehensive engagement strategy featuring inter-ministerial and technical committees to maintain stakeholder alignment and drive the initiative forward.
