Actions Align with IMF Framework for Economic Recovery - AKD

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, reflecting on past resistance to political authority and state service machinery, noted that delays in implementing reforms had hindered the creation of a proper institutional framework, resulting in missed opportunities for the country.

Looking ahead, he emphasized the need for immediate steps to manage operations at the Sri Lanka Port Authority, expected to handle 11.3 million containers, requiring collective workforce effort for national progress.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake participated in the celebrations of International Customs Day, held on January 27 at the Customs Department's auditorium.

This year's theme, "Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity," underscores the vital role of customs in global trade and economic stability.

President Dissanayake emphasized the ongoing restructuring of Sri Lanka Customs, the Excise Department, and the Department of Inland Revenue to create more adaptable institutions. He stressed the necessity for laws and institutions to evolve with the times.

"The responsibilities assigned to Customs last year were executed successfully. The efforts to stabilize the economy through customs are commendable, and I appreciate the achievement of revenue targets. However, simply meeting revenue goals is insufficient for rebuilding an economy that has been in decline. To recover from an economic crisis, we must focus on increasing revenue percentages," President Dissanayake stated.

He highlighted the significant impact of the economic downturn on the import-export market and the alignment of actions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) framework.

He cautioned that even minor errors could profoundly affect the economy and called for effective collaboration within the Customs Department to achieve the targeted revenue of Rs. 2,550 billion.

President Dissanayake also discussed proposals to improve customs facilities and introduce a new salary scale, which he plans to address with the Ministry of Finance and the Treasury.

The 2025 budget includes provisions for increasing government employees' basic salaries and incorporating digital technologies to enhance public sector efficiency. Legal reforms are also underway to strengthen institutional structures.

In recognition of their outstanding contributions, 20 Customs officers received certificates from the World Customs Organization, and two officers were honored with skill awards.

The Director General of Customs also presented President Dissanayake with a commemorative Customs Day badge.