Sri Lanka Customs has achieved a historic revenue milestone of Rs. 1 trillion, marking the highest revenue ever generated in the country’s history, according to Customs Spokesperson and Additional Director General Seevali Arukgoda.
As one of the three revenue-generating arms of the Ministry of Finance, Customs had set a target of Rs. 1.533 trillion for 2024. Arukgoda highlighted the achievement of reaching Rs. 1 trillion within the first eight months of the year as a significant accomplishment, expressing confidence in surpassing the remaining Rs. 533 billion in the final four months.
In 2023, Customs had a revenue target of Rs. 892 billion, which was exceeded with a total of Rs. 975 billion by December 31.
Arukgoda noted that this substantial revenue was generated without the traditional duty on motor vehicles, which typically accounts for about 25% of Customs revenue before the ban on vehicle imports was implemented.
“The top contributors to this revenue include petroleum, alcohol, and tobacco, which are among the leading products subject to enforced duties,” Arukgoda said.
