The Import Section of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with Sri Lanka Customs, recently hosted an awareness session “Customs Reimagined: Digital Transformation and Smart Facilitation in Sri Lanka’s Trade Frontier.” The event brought together senior officials and industry stakeholders to explore key modernisation initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s import sector.
The programme highlighted several transformative initiatives by Sri Lanka Customs, including enhancement of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, paperless submission of Customs Declarations, Customs Documents Notification System (CDNS), TrackMyCusdec Tool, and automated risk management.
Welcoming the audience, Chairman of the Import Section, Mr. Ushan De Silva, reaffirmed the Section’s commitment to driving reforms, supporting implementation, and enabling seamless adaptation for businesses through robust public–private collaboration.
The event was graced by distinguished officials from Sri Lanka Customs, including Mr. Seevali Arukgoda, Director General of Customs; Mr. Achala Chandrasekara, Additional Director General (Corporate); and Mr. Sudaththa Silva, Additional Director General (Digital Transformation).
Mr. Arukgoda emphasised the critical role of collaboration between Customs and industry chambers in enhancing awareness and accelerating the adoption of digital initiatives and trade facilitation programs. He underscored the importance of modernizing customs processes to promote efficiency while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Mr. Chandrasekara provided insights into the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, highlighting its significance for legitimate traders, especially in light of the discontinuation of other facilitation schemes. He encouraged businesses to actively engage with the AEO framework to benefit from streamlined operations.
Leading the digital transformation efforts at Sri Lanka Customs, Mr. Sudaththa Silva shared the department’s journey toward digitization. He emphasized their commitment to enhancing transparency, reducing manual intervention, and facilitating trade through innovative digital solutions.
The session also featured presentations by Mr. M.U.P. Perera, Superintendent of Customs; Mr. P.S. Karunakalage, Deputy Superintendent of Customs; and Mrs. M.S.P. Alwis, Assistant Superintendent of Customs. They provided a comprehensive overview of the AEO program, its business benefits, and practical guidance on leveraging new digital tools and systems for efficient customs operations.
The Import Section of the CCC, representing over 100 leading member companies, plays a pivotal role in advocating for the import community, shaping trade policy, and fostering strong private–public sector dialogue. This session further reinforced the Section’s commitment to supporting industry collaboration and promoting digital innovation within the trade ecosystem.
