A paperless Customs declaration processing system will be introduced from October 1 as part of the Government’s efforts to accelerate the digitalisation of public services, President’s Secretary Nandika Sanath Kumanayake said.
He made the remarks at an awareness programme on digital signatures and the paperless Customs declaration system held at the SEMA building auditorium in Colombo today (28).
Kumanayake said digital transformation was essential for Sri Lanka to align with global practices, adding that the new system would make Customs clearance more efficient, transparent and faster while providing greater convenience to importers and exporters.
He said the system would prevent fraud and corruption by detecting any changes made to documents after they have been digitally signed.
The President’s Secretary also assured that the introduction of digital signatures and the paperless system would not result in job losses, noting that while the nature of work may change, the employment of Customs clearing agents would be protected.
Through the integration of LankaSign digital signatures with the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA), all Customs documents will be able to be submitted online in a secure and legally recognised manner.
Kumanayake stressed that the support of all stakeholders was essential for the successful implementation of the system from October 1.
The awareness programme included detailed briefings on the process of submitting Customs documents electronically through the integration of LankaSign and ASYCUDA, along with discussions on its benefits and implementation.
Customs Director General Wimal Liyanagama, Director of the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernisation Bureau (RARMB) W.L.C. Thilakasiri and LankaSign Senior Manager Nalaka Wijenayake also addressed the event. (Newswire)