Customs to name and shame tax evaders

Tuesday, 6 May 2025 02:36 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

New initiative intended to discourage tax evasion, motivate compliance and serve as deterrent against repeated violations
Customs Director General Sarath Nonis says one-month notice period will be given to stakeholders before official implementation
Opines corporate sector must embrace financial accountability and ethical business practices for genuine systemic change in SL

In a bold move aimed at curbing tax evasion and tightening compliance with import and export laws, the Sri Lanka Customs Department announced yesterday it will begin publishing the names of institutions and individuals found guilty of Customs violations and tax frauds on its official website, www.customs.

gov.lk.

The new transparency initiative is intended to discourage tax evasion, motivate compliance and serve as a deterrent against repeated violations.

“This was a measure the Department was keen on rolling out for a while now. We will give a one-month notice period to stakeholders before official implementation,” Sri Lanka Customs Director General Sarath Nonis told the Daily FT.

He said the move intends to modernise enforcement mechanisms and promote a transparent economic environment, where the rule of law prevails over exploitation and fraud, which has been a major cause for corruption.

He said the Department will publicise the identities of individuals and entities found guilty following a formal investigation under the Customs Ordinance.

Nonis said this public disclosure is seen as a more effective deterrent than fines alone, especially since some fraudulent companies have treated penalties as a mere cost of doing business, continuing their unlawful practices undeterred.

“This culture of impunity needs to end. If real change is to happen in this country, it has to also include within corporate sector too,” the Director General said, stressing the need for a systemic shift in how financial responsibility and ethical business conduct are enforced.

He said the initiative is expected to strengthen State revenue collection, which is critical amid the country’s ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy. “By naming and shaming offenders, the Department intends to instil greater accountability and push both businesses and individuals towards full compliance with national trade laws,” Nonis added. (CdeS)

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