November 03, 2025
Committee on Ways and Means reviews Sri Lanka Customs’ revenue progress
Officials state that by September 30, 117% of the expected revenue target had been achieved
A new digital system to be introduced for the auctioning of confiscated goods
Officials of Sri Lanka Customs informed the Committee on Ways and Means that as of September 30, 2025, they had been able to achieve 117% of the expected revenue target. They stated that the expected customs revenue as of September 30, 2025, was Rs. 1,485 billion, while revenue amounting to Rs. 1,737 billion had been collected by that date.
These facts were revealed at a recent meeting of the Committee on Ways and Means of Parliament, chaired by Hon. Member of Parliament Wijesiri Basnayake.
Officials further explained to the Committee that, compared to the previous year, customs revenue had recorded a significant increase every month this year. Accordingly, by October 14, 2025, the highest revenue had been generated through vehicle imports, which had earned Rs. 587.11 billion constituting 37% of the total revenue by that date.
By 14th October 55,447 motor cars had been imported, generating customs duties amounting to Rs. 474.26 billion. Additionally, 7,331 goods transport vehicles had been imported, generating Rs. 48.67 billion in revenue. Imports also included 142,524 motorcycles and 15,035 three-wheelers, earning Rs. 30.37 billion and Rs. 15.10 billion respectively. Furthermore, 1,679 passenger transport buses and vans had been imported, contributing Rs. 12.66 billion in revenue, according to officials.
Attention was also drawn to the future targets and technological advancements of Sri Lanka Customs. Officials informed the Committee that steps have been taken to introduce a new digital system (E-Tendering system) for the auctioning of confiscated goods and that it is scheduled to be launched in the near future. The Committee observed that this initiative would serve as a valuable precedent for other state institutions as well.
Members of the committee Hon. Deputy Minister (Prof.) Ruwan Ranasinghe, Hon. Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne, and Hon. Members of Parliament Ajith P. Perera Attorneys-at-Law, Sujeewa Senasinghe Attorneys-at-Law, Sujith Sanjaya Perera, Sunil Biyanwila, and Champika Hettiarachchi and Officials including Director General of Customs Mr. Seevali Arukgoda were present at this meeting.
