Customs revenue down by 30% - Min. of Finance

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Finance minister Mangala Samaraweera states that Sri Lanka Customs revenue has dropped by 30% during the first 5 months of 2019.  The Minister revealed this at a ceremony yesterday (June 19) to grant appointment letters for 134 Custom Assistant Superintendents. The customs department brought in Rs 912bn in 2018, which accounts for 54% of the total tax revenue. However, the department failed to achieve the projected tax revenue of  Rs1,065bn for 2018. Minister Samaraweera noted that plans are being drawn up to make structural changes in the Customs Department. The changes include the introduction of a new Customs ordinance as well as the reestablishment of the Customs Maritime Unit.