The revenue collected by Sri Lanka Customs has surpassed the target set for the first 22 days of January, according to official data. The revenue target for January was set at 160.2 billion rupees, but the department has already gathered 175.4 billion rupees, exceeding the target by 9.5 percent within this period.
Customs has been expediting container clearance since last month, following disruptions caused by the Ditwah devastation, which affected regular operations for at least four days in November. This acceleration occurred amidst an increase in imports during December.
Last year, Sri Lanka Customs achieved a record revenue of 2,551 billion rupees, surpassing the revised target of 2,241 billion rupees and marking a 64.2 percent increase over the previous year’s revenue of 1,553 million rupees. For this year, the revenue target has been set at 2,207 billion rupees, reflecting a 13.5 percent reduction compared to the previous year, due to an anticipated decline in car imports.
The surge in Customs revenue is attributed to stronger enforcement, enhanced valuation practices, and a rebound in import volumes after several years of decline. In the wake of the 2022 economic crisis, imports had plummeted as the country imposed restrictions to preserve foreign exchange. However, with the stabilization of reserves, relaxation of certain import controls, and a steady recovery in consumer demand, collections from import duties, excise, and other levies have risen.
Officials have also highlighted that tighter scrutiny of under-invoicing and misdeclaration of goods has contributed to the increase in state revenue. The combination of heightened import activity, currency fluctuations, and stricter enforcement positions Customs as a leading revenue source for the Treasury in 2025, offering crucial support as the state strives to meet fiscal targets under the IMF-supported program.
(Colombo/January 23/2026)
