Sri Lanka Customs hits record Rs. 231 b in July collections

Tuesday, 12 August 2025 02:58 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Revenue up 118.4% compared to estimate of Rs. 195.05 b
Jan.-July collections total Rs. 1.22 t, driven mainly by Rs. 303 b vehicle imports
Customs Director-General Sarath Nonis says 2025 target set at Rs. 2.11 t; 60% already achieved

By Charumini de Silva

Sri Lanka Customs recorded its highest-ever monthly revenue in July 2025, collecting Rs. 231 billion, well above the monthly estimate of Rs. 195.05 billion.

“The performance marked a 118.4% increase, driven largely by a surge in vehicle imports,” Customs Director-General Sarath Nonis told the Daily FT.

He said that by the end of the first seven months of 2025, Sri Lanka Customs had collected over Rs. 1.22 trillion in revenue, with more than Rs. 303 billion coming from vehicle import taxes, including excise duty.

The Department has set an ambitious annual target of Rs. 2,115 billion (over Rs. 2.11 trillion) for 2025, the largest in its history.

Despite the scale of the goal, Nonis expressed confidence in achieving it, citing strong revenue momentum carried over from 2024, when Customs posted a 60% jump in collections to Rs. 1,535 billion from Rs. 975 billion in 2023.

“We are on track for another record-breaking year,” Nonis said, highlighting that with 60% of the target already achieved, only Rs. 844 billion, or 40%, remains to be collected.

The July milestone comes as Sri Lanka looks to boost overall fiscal performance, with Customs revenue forming a key pillar in the Government’s strategy to strengthen State finances and support economic recovery.

Nonis said sustained import activity and efficient tax administration will be critical in meeting the target.

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