August 26, Colombo (LNW): Veteran customs officer Seevali Arukgoda has officially taken over as the Director General of Sri Lanka Customs, with the appointment taking effect today (26).
Being appointed, he becomes the 45th individual to lead the institution.
Having first entered the service in 1989 as an Assistant Superintendent, Arukgoda brings with him over three decades of hands-on experience and institutional knowledge. His journey through the ranks is considered unprecedented in the department’s history — he is the first officer to have progressed through every grade, culminating in his appointment to the topmost post.
Over his 36-year career, Arukgoda has not only made a mark domestically but has also built a solid international profile, particularly through his work with the World Customs Organization (WCO).
He served two terms with the WCO, contributing to global customs reform efforts, border management policy, and capacity-building programmes. His standing as an accredited WCO expert has earned him a respected place among international peers, and his insights are frequently sought in areas related to trade facilitation and customs modernisation.
Arukgoda’s academic background further complements his professional journey. He holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from Buckinghamshire New University in the United Kingdom, along with a Master’s in Customs Administration from the Postgraduate Institute of Management at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
