By: Staff Writer
September 08, Colombo (LNW): Looking ahead, the Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) strategic plan is focused on overcoming challenges while ensuring revenue generation, streamlining operations, and adhering to international standards. Guidance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF),
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and a deep understanding of global trade dynamics will inform future initiatives. The upcoming launch of the ASYHUB system in 2024 underscores the SLC’s commitment to technological progress.
Over the next five years, the SLC’s strategic focus will center on four key areas: revenue generation, eco-social protection, trade facilitation, and organizational development.
By aligning with global standards, fostering innovation, and tackling challenges head-on, the SLC aims to become a resilient and efficient customs administration, even amidst economic uncertainties.
In an unprecedented achievement, Sri Lanka Customs has recorded a revenue of Rs. 1 trillion within the first eight months of this year.
This remarkable accomplishment is credited to the autonomy granted to the administrative authority and officials, allowing them to operate without external interference.
The IMF has set a revenue target of Rs. 1,534 billion for 2024. With Rs. 1 trillion already achieved, Director General of Customs, Sarath Nonis, expressed confidence that the annual target can be surpassed within the remaining four months of the year. He noted that the previous highest revenue was Rs. 975 billion in 2023.
Director General Sarath Nonis emphasized that the department’s success is due to its independence and the new operational methods and advanced technical processes introduced over the past two years.
These reforms have allowed the department to streamline operations effectively. He also credited the entire customs staff for their dedication in fighting fraud, corruption, and smuggling.
Additionally, the department continues to refine its administrative activities through an annual action plan, ensuring regular updates and quality improvements in customs procedures.
This success has been supported by the leadership and guidance of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies Minister, along with contributions from State Ministers of Finance, Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, and Shehan Semasinghe.
