Wednesday Aug 19, 2026
Wednesday Aug 19, 2026
Monday, 17 August 2026 03:37 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
ACFA President Uvaiz Samsudeen
Sri Lanka Customs Director General Wimal S. K. Liyanagama
The Association of Clearing and Forwarding Agents (ACFA) recently held its 35th Annual General Meeting at Ramada Colombo where incumbent President Uvaiz Samsudeen was re-elected for another term.
Chief Guest at the post-AGM ceremony was Sri Lanka Customs Director General Wimal S.K. Liyanagama.
ACFA Chief Samsudeen said the presence of Sri Lanka Customs Director General was a testament to the strong partnership that exists between Sri Lanka Customs, the Government, and the private sector in working together to facilitate legitimate trade and strengthen the nation's economy.
“Customs house brokers are an indispensable link in the shipping logistics and international trade supply chain. Our profession plays a pivotal role, facilitating legitimate trade through our expertise and commitment. We facilitate the smooth movements of goods, ensure compliance with Customs laws and regulations, and contribute significantly to the efficiency of cross-border border trade,” Samsudeen said.
Despite the vital role, ACFA Chief noted that the knowledge, professionalism, and expertise of Customs house brokers are not consistently recognised across all Government agencies.
Therefore he called for greater recognition and engagement with ACFA members would enhance collaboration, improve regulatory compliance, and contribute to more efficient trade facilitation.
“We therefore respectfully urge all relevant Government institutions to acknowledge the important role of customs house brokers as trusted partners in the country's trade and logistics ecosystem, and to involve us more closely in policy discussions and operational initiatives that impact the industry,” he said.
It was assured that ACFA fully supports these efforts and remains committed to working in close partnership with Sri Lanka Customs, and to promote ethical trade practices, strengthen compliance, and safeguard the integrity of the country's import and export sector.
Samsudeen observed that the industry operates in an increasingly challenging environment, as licenced customs house brokers, and ACFA members are required to meet the ever-growing compliance obligations while investing in technology, skilled professional, skilled personnel, and staff welfare, all amidst rising operational costs and an increasingly competitive marketplace.
Despite these challenges, ACFA members remain committed to delivering professional, compliant, and efficient services to the trading community.
The event was told that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake invited ACFA and Chambers to represent the industry, along with Customs, to the committee reviewing the Customs Ordinance.
“We proposed amendments to the Section 115 concerning Customs house brokers to foster increased professionalism within our community. As Customs house brokers (CHBs) operate directly under the supervision of the Sri Lanka Customs, we respectfully urge the authorities to exercise greater vigilance in dealing with unprofessional CHBs who engage in illicit trade and unethical practices, the action of a few unscrupulous operators tarnished the reputation of our profession and undermined the interests of the honest and law-abiding business community.
While financial penalties are necessary, they alone may not serve as an effective deterrent. We therefore respectfully recommend that CHB's vulnerability to serious violations be suspended from carrying out operations for a period of at least one year, rather than being allowed to resume business immediately after paying a fine. Such decisive action would strengthen compliance, protect the integrity of the profession and promote fair and ethical trade practices,” ACFA President said.
He said that recent revision of customs charges for various operations, operational services, with some fees reportedly increasing by more than 300%.
“We understand that these charges have remained unchanged for the past 10 to 15 years, and we are not opposed to a reasonable division where it is justified. However, our concern is that these increases were introduced and gazetted without prior consultation or dialogue with the trade,” Samsudeen said.
“While we fully appreciate the need for periodic revisions, we respectfully submit that the timing of this increase is particularly challenging, as many businesses are still facing significant economic pressures. We therefore humbly appeal to the Sri Lanka Custom to review this matter, engage in meaningful consultation with the trade and provide all stakeholders with a fair hearing before implementing such substantial increases,” ACFA Chief said.
He expressed the confidence that a balanced and equitable decision will not only support the trading community but also strengthen the long-standing partnerships between customs and the private sector.
“Looking ahead, our association will continue to champion the trade facilitation through constructive engagement with the Government institutions and all stakeholders. We firmly believe that efficient trade processes and strong compliance are complementary objectives. By working collaboratively, we can facilitate legitimate trade, strengthen regulatory compliance, support Government revenue collection and contribute to the Sri Lanka economic growth,” ACFA Chief added.
Efficient trade facilitation essential for national economic development
Sri Lanka Customs Director General Liyanagama congratulated ACFA for 34 years dedicated service and playing a key role in Sri Lanka's international trade and logistic sector.
“The relationship between the Customs and the clearing and forwarding community has developed through continuous dialogue, cooperation. We understand that efficient trade facilitation is essential for national economic development,” he said.
Liyanagama said Sri Lanka Customs has always had two fundamental responsibilities. “One is to protect national Interest, including effective enforcement, ensuring compliance with laws and regulation, preventing illegal trade, safeguarding national security, and protecting Government revenue. The second is to facilitate legitimate trade by ensuring that goods move across the border effectively and efficiently, transparently and predictably.”
“The modern Customs administration must achieve both objectives simultaneously. The Customs administration focuses that only enforcement may create unnecessary barriers to legitimate trades. Similarly, a system that focuses only on speed without effective controls may create risk to revenue, security, and fair competition,” Customs Chief explained.
He revealed that Customs is working further on modernisation with technology, digitisation and reforms to efficiently facilitate legitimate trade.
“We are strengthening the electronic service and advancing the ASYCUDA system to improve trade efficiency and predictability by leveraging international intelligence, risk management, and developing a national single window. We are streamlining operations, reducing physical inspection, and enhancing coordination with core agents,” he said
In that context, the Customs Chief said clearance and the forwarding agencies occupy a unique position within the international trading system.
“You are the link between traders, transport operators, Government agencies, and the custom authorities. Your professionalism and the expertise directly influence the efficiency of cargo movements,” told the ACFA AGM.
Noting that Customs and the trade is on a reform journey, partnership with ACFA will be increasingly important as members' practical experiences provide valuable insights into challenges faced by the importers and exporters. “Constructive feedback from the industry helps us implement effective solutions. At the same time, I encourage all members of the ACFA to continue professionalism, good practices, and ethical conduct. A modern Customs administration requires modern and responsible trade partners,” Customs Chief emphasised.
“Together, Customs and the private sector can create an environment where Sri Lanka becomes more competitive, more effective, and better connected to the global market. We need to follow several key principles: efficiency, technology, integrity, partnership, people development,” he added.
Pix by Daminda Harsha Perera
Association of Clearing and Forwarding Agents Executive Committee for 2026/7
Seated from left: Vice Presidents Shanil Fernando, Lakshman Seneviratne, Treasurer Rukman Weerarathne, President Uvaiz Samsudeen, Secretary Channaka De Alwis, Executive Council Member Indika Marasinghe
Standing from left: Executive Council Members Mohan Meehitiya, Desmond De Zilwa, Dimuthu Mawalage, Anuradha Sooriyaarachchi, Assistant Secretary Christo Perera, Executive Council Member Joel Albert, Assistant Treasurer Chaminda Sugath, Executive Council Members H.K. Daminda, Naresh Julian
