Sri Lanka plans paperless customs declaration system from Oct. 1

Sri Lanka plans to introduce a paperless customs declaration processing system from Oct. 1 as part of efforts to modernize public services and accelerate digitalization, Secretary to the President Nandika Sanath Kumanayake said.

Speaking at an awareness program on digital signatures and paperless customs declarations in Colombo, Kumanayake said the new system would make customs clearance faster, more efficient and more transparent.

He said the system would detect any changes made after documents were digitally signed, reducing opportunities for fraud and corruption.

Kumanayake assured customs clearing agents that the reform would not lead to job losses. Although the nature of their work could change, growing trade volumes would help protect employment, he said.

The system will integrate the LankaSign digital signature with the ASYCUDA customs platform, allowing users to submit customs documents online in a legally valid and secure manner.

Kumanayake said the Government could launch the system successfully on Oct. 1 with the cooperation of all stakeholders.

Officials also briefed participants on the submission process, its benefits and implementation, before responding to questions and proposals raised during the meeting.