In a dramatic turn for one of Sri Lanka’s most scrutinized state agencies, Sri Lanka Customs has shattered all previous revenue records, collecting Rs. 2.117 trillion as of November 11, 2025surpassing its annual target of Rs. 2.115 trillion well ahead of schedule.
The achievement marks the highest-ever revenue in the Department’s history, positioning Customs as the country’s top state revenue generator.
Director General Seevali Arukgoda hailed the accomplishment as “a historic milestone,” attributing it to the department’s renewed focus on efficiency, technology-driven systems, and strengthened integrity controls.
He credited the resumption of vehicle imports, which had been restricted for several years, as the main catalyst for the record income, bringing in a staggering Rs. 680 billion this year compared with just Rs. 50 billion in 2024. General cargo revenue also rose by 13% year-on-year, reflecting stronger trade activity and stricter monitoring.
Despite the celebratory tone, the Customs’ triumph comes at a time when the institution itself is under intense public scrutiny.
The department has faced allegations of corruption, internal irregularities, and politically influenced clearances, including the now-infamous 322-container clearance scandal that shook the agency earlier this year.
The controversy, involving allegations of bypassed procedures and undervaluation of imported goods, sparked public outrage and prompted a series of internal investigations.
Customs officials insist that the creation of an Internal Affairs Unit has begun to address integrity concerns and improve transparency.
Arukgoda emphasized that the agency had “taken firm steps to minimize revenue leakages and disciplinary breaches,” adding that enhanced compliance monitoring had helped detect and prevent several tax evasion attempts.
Independent fiscal analysts, however, note that the record-breaking numbers also reflect external factors notably, the sharp rebound in imports following economic stabilization and the rupee’s relative appreciation, which increased the value of duties collected. They warn that the 2025 windfall may not be sustainable as vehicle imports normalize and domestic demand plateaus in 2026.
Nevertheless, Customs’ consistent upward trend in revenue collection paints a remarkable picture of institutional resilience. The Department’s earnings have more than doubled within two years, from Rs. 975 billion in 2023 to Rs. 1.503 trillion in 2024, culminating in this year’s historic performance.
Behind the numbers, however, lies a deeper challenge restoring public trust in an agency long accused of inefficiency and corruption. Trade unions and logistics industry representatives have urged authorities to ensure accountability in ongoing inquiries into the 322-container episode and other alleged irregularities.
For the government, Customs’ success provides a crucial boost to fiscal recovery under tight IMF monitoring. Yet for many observers, the real test lies not in the trillions collected, but in whether the Department can sustain transparency, rebuild credibility, and institutionalize integrity in an environment historically vulnerable to malpractice.
As Sri Lanka pushes forward with tax reforms and state-sector restructuring, the Customs Department stands as both a symbol of fiscal revival and a reminder of the need for uncompromising accountability within the nation’s revenue machinery.
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