President Hails Customs for Stabilizing Economy

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Customs is stepping into 2026 on a historic high, surpassing its revenue targets and generating an additional Rs. 300 billion surplus, according to Director General S.P. Arukgoda.

The year 2025 has gone down in history as the most successful year for Sri Lanka Customs, recording the highest-ever revenue in its existence. 

The department exceeded its expected target of Rs. 2,115 billion, achieving this milestone with an impressive surplus that will strengthen the nation’s fiscal position.

Arukgoda revealed these figures during a high-level discussion chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Customs Auditorium this morning (30), where progress for 2025 and strategic plans for 2026 were reviewed.

President Dissanayake praised the department for its vital role in earning the required revenue for the country and ensuring economic and social stability, expressing gratitude to the entire workforce.

He urged officials to maintain efficiency and transparency while implementing new plans for 2026.

The President also reflected on the economic collapse of 2022, citing the lack of sufficient rupee and dollar reserves as a key factor. He emphasized that meeting revenue targets has now enabled the government to stabilize the economy and withstand recent disaster challenges.

The meeting featured in-depth discussions on Customs’ achievements and future plans, including proposals for:

Revenue collection optimization
Trade facilitation improvements
Social protection measures
Institutional development initiatives

The President reviewed progress under these four pillars and examined steps taken to eliminate congestion and delays, modernize cargo inspection systems, and advance digital transformation in 2026.

Other topics included staff recruitment, promotions, training, salaries, and allowances, alongside measures to strengthen internal compliance and foster a culture of integrity within the department.