Sri Lanka will introduce a paperless Customs declaration processing system from October 1 as part of the Government’s drive to accelerate the digitalisation of public services, President’s Secretary Nandika Sanath Kumanayake announced.
Speaking at an awareness programme on digital signatures and the new paperless Customs declaration system held at the SEMA building auditorium in Colombo, Kumanayake said digital transformation was essential for Sri Lanka to keep pace with global standards.
He said the new system would make Customs clearance faster, more efficient and transparent, while providing greater convenience for importers and exporters.
Kumanayake also noted that the system would help prevent fraud and corruption by enabling authorities to detect any alterations made to documents after they have been digitally signed.
Addressing concerns over employment, he assured that the introduction of digital signatures and the paperless system would not result in job losses. While the nature of work may evolve, he said the employment of Customs clearing agents would be safeguarded.
Under the new system, the integration of LankaSign digital signatures with the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) will allow all Customs documents to be submitted online in a secure and legally recognised manner.
The President’s Secretary stressed that the cooperation of all stakeholders would be crucial to ensuring the successful implementation of the paperless system from October 1.
The awareness programme featured detailed presentations on the electronic submission of Customs documents through the integration of LankaSign and ASYCUDA, as well as discussions on the benefits and implementation of the new system.
Customs Director General Wimal Liyanagama, Revenue Administration Reform and Modernisation Bureau (RARMB) Director W.L.C. Thilakasiri and LankaSign Senior Manager Nalaka Wijenayake also addressed the event.
