Sri Lanka Customs has achieved remarkable revenue collection in the first 19 days of February 2026, accumulating over 96 percent of the monthly target, according to official data. The revenue target for February has been set at 165.9 billion rupees, with 159.5 billion rupees already collected within this period.
In January, Customs exceeded its revenue target by 45 percent, equivalent to 72.3 billion rupees. Within the first 50 days of 2026, they have already achieved 17.8 percent of the annual revenue target.
Since December, Customs has expedited the clearance of containers following disruptions caused by the Ditwah devastation, which impacted activities for four days in November. This acceleration coincides with increased imports in December.
Last year, Sri Lanka Customs collected a record 2,551 billion rupees in revenue, surpassing the revised target of 2,241 billion rupees and achieving a 64.2 percent increase compared to the previous year’s revenue of 1,553 billion rupees. For 2026, Customs has set a revenue target of 2,207 billion rupees, reflecting a 13.5 percent decrease from last year due to an expected decline in car imports.
The substantial rise in Customs revenue is attributed to stronger enforcement measures, enhanced valuation practices, and a recovery in import volumes after years of decline. Following the economic crisis of 2022, imports decreased sharply as the country implemented restrictions to conserve foreign exchange. However, with the stabilization of reserves, relaxation of certain import controls, and a steady recovery in consumer demand, customs collections from import duties, excise, and other levies have increased.
Officials highlight that tighter monitoring of under-invoicing and misdeclaration of goods has significantly contributed to boosting state revenue. The combined effects of increased import activity, currency movements, and stricter enforcement have positioned Customs as a leading revenue source for the Treasury in 2025, providing essential support as the state strives to meet fiscal targets under the IMF-supported program.
(Colombo/February 21/2026)
