A Business-friendly Customs Unit is a possibility in 2017, Finance Ministry Ravi Karunanayake said.
The minister was speaking at a ceremony to present appointment letters to 124 Assistant Customs Superintendents at the Customs Head office yesterday.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickramasinghe graced the event as the Guest of Honour.
“It is with much pride that I would like to say that Customs has become an excellent service provider within this short period of time. In 2014, the Customs’ income was Rs.516 billion which was increased by a 39% in 2015 to a Rs.18 billion. In 2016, the Customs’ income has become Rs.886 billion which is a growth by 23%. Our target is to secure an income of Rs.1,000 billion in 2017.” Minister Karunanayake said.
The minister explained that Customs, Excise, Inland Revenue Department and other incomes which are not taxation are the four main sources of income to the government.
“Our target is to release the public of their heavy duties imposed upon them by systematizing all legal income sources,” he said.
“My vision is not only to make the Customs one of the best government establishments in Sri Lanka, but, one of the foremost Customs in the Asian region. By April next year, the ASYCUDA system shall be in full operation. Thirty seven institutes are to adopt this system. The Customs is in the middle of a process of remodeling at the moment. It is with these changes that we can support our national economy,” Minister Karunanayake said.
Minister Karunanayake also said that by the January 1, 2017 all the importers will be able to make a clearance from the Customs after they get registered as importers at the Customs. He also added that Customs shall operate 24 hours before long as well. At present, the Customs has created facilities for an importer to receive their shipments within 48 hours and an exporter to send theirs within 24 hours, Minister Karunanayake pointed out.
“Scanners shall be brought to Sri Lanka by the end of February next year. All the containers that reach our country will have to go through these new scanners. We shall also add online clearances and CCTVs for the process as well. It will increase the efficiency of the clearance process and will lessen the illegal shipments into the country as well. The final outcome of this whole remodeling process is to make Sri Lanka Customs a business-friendly unit, “ Minister Karunanayake further pointed out.
“A country’s economic development cannot be displayed by figures and data. It can only become a reality when people have their purses filled with money. This government is obliged to reach this reality on behalf of our citizens,” the minister added.