Sri Lanka Customs Takes Historic Step Towards Digitalisation as Paperless System Begins

Sri Lanka Customs has taken a significant step towards digitalisation, with its paperless Customs declaration system coming into effect from today.

The Department of Sri Lanka Customs has introduced the paperless digital system with the aim of making its services more efficient, transparent and streamlined. Under the new system, Customs declarations and supporting documents are submitted electronically through the ASYCUDA system with valid digital signatures, replacing the previous manual submission process.

Speaking at the official launch ceremony, Director General of Customs Wimal S. K. Liyanagama said the process of accepting Customs declarations through the previously introduced ASYCUDA system was being further upgraded to operate through a fully digital platform.

The move has been introduced to improve the efficiency of the long-established Customs Department, strengthen revenue collection and facilitate trade.

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaveera, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy Warnashree Dhanapala, Director General of Customs Wimal S. K. Liyanagama, as well as the Commissioner General of Inland Revenue, the Controller General of Imports and Exports and representatives of several government institutions and Customs trade unions.

The new digital system is expected to make transactions between Customs officers and customers faster, more transparent and more systematic.

Statements by officials

Wimal S. K. Liyanagama – Director General of Customs

He said the institution plays a significant role in matters relating to social protection and that the new system would contribute to improving its operations.

Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma – Secretary, Ministry of Finance

He said such a transformation was possible through the commitment of everyone involved and that the new system would make a significant contribution towards strengthening government revenue.

Dr. N. S. Kumanayake – Secretary to the President

He said a bureau had been established under the Presidential Secretariat to undertake new reform initiatives.

He noted that positive developments had been seen among institutions responsible for collecting government revenue.

He said that if services could be improved through changes of this nature, Sri Lanka Customs could be taken to a leading position in South Asia.

He also noted that significant changes had taken place within Customs during this period.

Nishantha Jayaveera – Deputy Minister of Economic Development

He described the introduction of the paperless system as a landmark in the approximately 200-year history of Sri Lanka Customs.

He said many Customs-related activities could now be carried out online without having to physically visit the Customs Department.

He also said the process of collecting government revenue had become more systematic.

Referring to the country's economic performance, he said that during the first six months of 2026, the budget position had moved towards a surplus rather than a deficit and that revenue collection was at a very positive level.

He further said three major expressways were being constructed without obtaining foreign loans.

According to the Deputy Minister, the ultimate objective is to create a single window that integrates all these processes.