Friday May 15, 2026
Friday May 15, 2026
Thursday, 7 May 2026 05:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka Customs has recorded a strong revenue performance in April, exceeding its monthly target by 30.5%, while cumulative collections for the first four months of the year rose sharply by nearly 50% year-on-year (YoY), official data showed.
Customs collected Rs. 236.5 billion in April against a target of Rs. 181.2 billion, reflecting robust import-related revenue flows and continued enforcement and valuation improvements.
This also pushed the first four months revenue to Rs. 919.3 billion, surpassing the cumulative target by 33.7%.
The YoY performance also showed a significant upward trajectory, with revenue in the first four months increasing by 49.8% compared to the corresponding period in 2025.
Officials attributed the surge to stronger enforcement measures, improved customs valuation practices, and a gradual rebound in import activity following earlier disruptions.
The agency had previously set a full-year revenue target of Rs. 2,207 billion for 2026, which is lower than last year’s revised target, reflecting an expected decline in vehicle imports. Despite this, Customs has already achieved 41.7% of its annual target within the first four months.
Last year, Customs recorded a historic revenue collection of Rs. 2,551 billion, exceeding its revised target of Rs. 2,241 billion and marking a 64.2% increase over the previous year’s Rs. 1,553 billion collection.
Officials said the recent acceleration in container clearance operations, particularly after disruptions in November, has helped stabilise trade flows and support revenue recovery.
The strong performance comes alongside ongoing institutional reforms, including new technology-driven initiatives aimed at full digitalisation of Customs operations.
Last week, Sri Lanka Customs launched technology-driven initiatives to enhance efficiency, improve trade facilitation and strengthen border security.
Sri Lanka Customs Director General Seevali Arukgoda addressing the event noted that the improved performance has also been supported by cooperation from the trading community, including importers, exporters and customs clearing agents, who play a key role in sustaining revenue collection and operational efficiency.
