Paperless Customs Declaration System from Oct. 01

An awareness programme on digital signatures and the Paperless Customs Declaration System was held this afternoon (July 28) at the auditorium of the SEMA Building in Colombo.

Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake stated that, as a key component of the Government’s economic reform and public service modernisation programme, the digitalisation of public services is being accelerated, with plans to implement the Paperless Customs Declaration Processing System from 1 October.

Speaking further, the Secretary to the President noted that such digital transformations are essential for Sri Lanka to keep pace with other countries around the world. He pointed out that the introduction of the Paperless Customs Declaration Processing System would make the customs clearance process more efficient, transparent and faster, while providing significant convenience to import and export companies.

The Secretary to the President further pointed out that the system is capable of detecting any alterations or tampering after a digital signature has been affixed, thereby preventing opportunities for fraud and corruption.

Against the backdrop of rapidly growing trade volumes, the Secretary to the President also stressed that the introduction of digital signatures and the paperless system would not result in job losses. Although the nature of the profession may change, the jobs of customs clearing agents would remain secure, he said.

He further explained that the integration of the LankaSign digital signature with the ASYCUDA system would enable all customs documents to be submitted online in a legally valid and secure manner. He emphasised that the cooperation of all stakeholders would be essential for the successful implementation of the system. If such cooperation is forthcoming, the new system could be successfully introduced from 1 October, he added.

During the programme, participants were provided with a detailed briefing on the process of integrating the LankaSign digital signature with the ASYCUDA system to facilitate the paperless submission of customs documents, as well as on the benefits and implementation of the new system.

During the subsequent question-and-answer (Q&A) session, issues and proposals raised by participating representatives were discussed, while the relevant officials provided the necessary clarifications and responses.

Director General of Customs Wimal Liyanagama, Director of the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernisation Bureau (RARMB) W. L. C. Thilakasiri, and Senior Manager of LankaSign Nalaka Wijenayake also addressed the gathering.

Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Finance D. H. S. Pulleperuma, representatives of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Authorised Economic Operators (AEOs), officials of LankaSign, customs clearing agents, officials of the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernisation Bureau (RARMB), representatives of the Presidential Secretariat, and representatives of import and export companies in Sri Lanka were among those who attended the event.

(President’s Media Division)

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