Colombo, Sri Lanka – 01 October 2026 – Sri Lanka today marked a significant milestone in its journey towards digital governance and enhanced trade facilitation with the official launch of the Digital Signature and Paperless Customs Declaration Processing System. This transformative initiative, a collaborative effort between the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernisation Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat and Sri Lanka Customs, was inaugurated at the Sri Lanka Customs Auditorium.
Presiding over the ceremony were Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Nishantha Jayaweera, and Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, underscoring the high-level commitment to this pivotal reform. The new system is set to revolutionise customs clearance, promising a more efficient, faster, and transparent service while actively combating fraud and corruption.
Mandatory Digital Transition for Importers and Declarants
Effective immediately from today, 01 October 2026, all importers and declarants are mandated to submit their customs declarations and associated documents bearing a valid digital signature. The previous manual system for customs declarations will no longer be accepted, signalling a complete paradigm shift in operations. Currently, 1,144 companies are already integrated into the new process, highlighting the widespread adoption and readiness for this digital transformation.
A Milestone Towards a National Single Window
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Nishantha Jayaweera, hailed the launch as a “significant milestone in the 200-year history of Customs.” He articulated the government’s ambitious goal of establishing a National Single Window to streamline all business and investment requirements, positioning the paperless customs system as a critical step in this broader agenda.
“This system will enable all customs-related activities, including import and export procedures, to be carried out online. This is a system that will save time, money and resources for the public, businesses, investors and everyone involved,” the Deputy Minister stated, emphasising the wide-ranging benefits. He also commended Customs for exceeding its revenue targets, projecting to surpass the Rs. 2,207 billion target for this year, which significantly contributes to strengthening the national economy and enabling a budget with the lowest deficit despite global challenges like rising fuel prices.
Looking ahead, Deputy Minister Jayaweera revealed plans to increase capital expenditure to Rs. 2,000 billion next year and to simplify the tax system by removing certain additional levies, making it more user-friendly. He reiterated the government’s commitment to accelerating the integration of information technology across institutions, with the paperless customs system serving as a key benchmark.
Enhancing Trade Facilitation and Economic Growth
Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the President, highlighted the importance of expanding international trade for economic growth and the necessity of removing barriers. “It is important to improve trade facilitation and reduce the costs and time involved in these activities,” he remarked.
The establishment of the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernisation Bureau within the Presidential Secretariat, he noted, was specifically to focus on revenue-collecting institutions and drive necessary reforms. Dr. Kumanayake expressed confidence that these reforms would transform Sri Lanka Customs into a prominent institution not just in South Asia, but across Asia.
Reflecting on the journey, he acknowledged that past reforms often faced initial disruption and uncertainty, including the concept of a paperless system. “Some expressed the view that people would lose their jobs. Some companies said they would have to change their organisational procedures because of this. However, we have worked to bring all these stakeholders together today. We are pleased with this step forward taken by Customs,” he added, underscoring the collaborative effort behind the success.
Strengthening Financial Stability and Public Service
Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, affirmed that the new system is a tangible result of the country’s efforts towards financial stability. “We are now enjoying the results of those efforts as a country. This has enabled us to lift the country from its previous position in international ratings,” he explained, noting the recognition of international institutions for Sri Lanka’s progress.
He underlined that this system would significantly reduce time and cost for the public in obtaining services, while also boosting government revenue and strengthening the capacity of revenue-collecting institutions. Dr. Suriyapperuma expressed satisfaction that conceptual ideas have now materialized into reality through multi-ministerial and public-private sector collaboration.
Customs’ Legacy of Technological Adaptation
Customs Director General Wimal Liyanagemage proudly recounted Sri Lanka Customs’ more than 200-year history and its pioneering role in integrating information technology into public service since the early 1990s. “Today, we have achieved greater efficiency than ever before,” he stated, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to reforms under the guidance of the Presidential Secretariat. “The launch of the Paperless Customs Declaration Processing System today is a major step forward in this process. Therefore, today is a very important day for us.”
The launch was also attended by Senior Additional Secretary to the President Seevali Arukgoda, Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Deputy Secretary to the Treasury D. J. Seneviratne, and a number of other distinguished officials, marking a unified commitment to Sri Lanka’s digital future in trade.
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