Due to the current disaster situation in the country, various inquiries have been made by foreign countries, organizations, individuals, as well as Sri Lankans living abroad, regarding donating essential goods to the people affected.
Accordingly, the Government of Sri Lanka has introduced a more convenient procedure to expedite the clearance and distribution of all material aid sent to the country, free of all tariffs and charges.
Guidelines related to such donations can be obtained by visiting the website www.customs.gov.lk and detailed information on the types of essential goods and materials that can be donated is available on www.donate.gov.lk.
Foreign donors are permitted to send this material assistance to Sri Lanka using any mode of transport. In order to receive concessions for duty-free clearance, all such goods must be addressed to the following:
The Secretary,
Ministry of Defence
Disaster Management Centre (DMC),
Vidya Mawatha, Colombo 07.
Furthermore, if such material donations are being sent in the name of another individual or organization in Sri Lanka and duty-free clearance is required, the respective party must agree to hand over the donation to the Disaster Management Centre. If not, the normal customs clearance procedures will apply.
More information can be obtained by visiting www.customs.gov.lk or through the hotline +94 70 475 2823, or via email at relief25@customs.gov.lk.
The Government expects that all goods cleared under the Disaster Management Centre will be distributed promptly and appropriately to the affected communities in accordance with the government-approved guidelines and that this mechanism will encourage donors to continue their support.
President’s Media Division (PMD)
