Sri Lanka Customs crosses Rs. 1 t revenue mark again

Friday, 4 July 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sets sight on record-breaking year

Customs Director-General

Sarath Nonis

Sri Lanka Customs has crossed the Rs. 1 trillion mark in revenue collection for 2025, reaching the milestone much earlier than last year, when it was achieved in September.

It also marked only the second time the Department has crossed the trillion-rupee threshold.

“Despite the challenges and criticism, this is a major milestone not only for the Department but also for the entire economy,” Customs Director-General Sarath Nonis told the Daily FT. He also said the total includes Rs. 220 billion collected so far from vehicle imports.

The Director-General commended the Department staff for their efforts in combatting fraud, corruption, and smuggling, noting that the measures boosted revenue collection significantly within the first half of the year.

For 2025, Sri Lanka Customs has set an ambitious target of Rs. 2,115 billion (over Rs. 2.11 trillion), the highest revenue goal in the Department’s history.

Despite the enormity of the target, Nonis expressed confidence that Sri Lanka Customs could deliver another record-breaking year, pointing to its momentum from 2024, which saw an over 60% surge in revenue to Rs. 1,535 billion from Rs. 975 billion in 2023.

He cited improved tax collection mechanisms, tighter enforcement of penalties, and streamlined administrative processes for driving these results, while also stressing the importance of correct import valuations and proper classification of goods as a critical factor.

Nonis pointed out that while there is sometimes resistance to applying strategic planning within Government Departments, the Customs’ success demonstrates the value of a structured, results-oriented approach.

“There is definitely more room to introduce more systems to streamline processes, efficiency, and accountability,” he said.

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