The Sri Lanka Customs Department has recorded the highest revenue in the history of the country’s customs operations in 2025, enabling it to commence 2026 with a surplus of approximately Rs. 300 billion, surpassing the anticipated revenue target of Rs. 2,115 billion, according to Director General of Customs S.P. Arukgoda.
He made these remarks during a discussion held at the Customs Department auditorium this morning (30), under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The President visited the Sri Lanka Customs Department to review the progress achieved in 2025 and to examine the new plans proposed for 2026. During the visit, he held extensive discussions with directors and senior officials of the department.
President Dissanayake commended the Sri Lanka Customs Department for its crucial role in generating the required revenue for the country and contributing to economic and social stability. He expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the entire Customs staff for their commitment and service.
Emphasizing that Sri Lanka Customs is one of the country’s major revenue-generating institutions, the President stressed the importance of continuing its operations in an efficient and transparent manner. He called on all officials to work collectively under new plans and to contribute towards making the country economically victorious in 2026.
The President further stated that the economic collapse experienced in 2022 resulted from the government’s inability to secure sufficient rupee revenue and foreign exchange. He noted that the achievement of expected revenue targets has now enabled the government to establish economic stability, which also strengthened the country’s capacity to face recent disaster situations.
The meeting included an in-depth review of the performance and progress of Sri Lanka Customs in 2025, along with discussions on new plans for 2026, during which several new ideas and proposals were presented.
It was highlighted that Sri Lanka Customs operates across four key sectors—revenue collection, trade facilitation, social security, and institutional development—and the President inquired into the progress achieved in each of these areas.
Officials also noted that the Internal Affairs Unit, established to foster a culture of compliance within the department, is functioning successfully.
The President further inquired about measures taken to address congestion and delays, which are among the most common public complaints regarding customs operations. Discussions were also held on the ongoing modernization of the goods inspection system.
Additionally, the President was briefed on the digitalization program planned for Sri Lanka Customs in 2026. Matters related to staff recruitment, promotions, training, as well as salaries and allowances were also discussed.
Highlighting the importance of airport-related services, the President stated that these services play a vital role in preventing opportunities for instability, particularly at a time when various strategies aimed at destabilizing the country continue to be attempted. He emphasized the need for Customs operations to remain resilient, capable of facing future challenges, and mindful of their responsibility towards safeguarding the survival of the state.
The event was attended by Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Deputy Secretary to the Treasury A.N. Hapugala, Director General of Sri Lanka Customs S.P. Arukgoda, along with directors and other senior officials.
