The government plans to introduce a simplified tax system from 2027, including the gradual removal of additional taxes imposed alongside Customs Duty, Deputy Minister of Economic Development Nishantha Jayaweera has announced.
Speaking at the official launch of the digital signature and paperless Customs declaration system, the Deputy Minister stated that the proposed reforms aim to make Sri Lanka’s taxation framework simpler and more convenient.
He explained that the government intends to streamline the existing tax structure by removing other levies charged in addition to Customs Duty, while introducing similar simplified procedures across other state institutions.
Jayaweera further stated that the integration of information technology into government institutions would be accelerated, describing the newly launched paperless Customs declaration system as an important milestone in the country’s digital transformation.
Highlighting the government’s broader digitalisation agenda, he said the ultimate objective is to fully digitalise all state institutions within a specified timeframe.
The Deputy Minister also referred to the National Single Window system adopted in other countries, which enables citizens, businesses and the trading community to access multiple government services through a single platform.
He noted that Sri Lanka is working towards establishing a similar system to improve efficiency and accessibility in public services.
Meanwhile, commenting on Customs revenue collection, Jayaweera revealed that Sri Lanka Customs is already nearing its annual revenue target of Rs. 2,207 billion for 2026.
He described the progress as a positive indication of improvements in the country’s revenue collection mechanism, adding that greater efficiency and systematic procedures would further strengthen the Department’s operations. (Newswire)
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