Customs Narcotics Control Unit officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport arrested a 54‑year‑old Angolan woman in possession of 237 grams of cocaine valued at over Rs. 10 million.

It is reported that she had traveled from Angola to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and then arrived in Sri Lanka via Doha, Qatar. After disembarking, she was seen moving through the terminal in a wheelchair, drawing the attention of customs officers.

Investigations revealed that the suspect voluntarily handed over 14 pellets containing cocaine. She also admitted to having swallowed several more pellets, which are now the focus of further investigation.

The Customs Narcotics Control Unit is continuing inquiries into the incident. (Newswire)

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Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) have arrested a Sri Lankan woman attempting to illegally transport a stock of flower plants concealed inside travel bags. 

The passenger, who arrived from Bangkok on SriLankan Airlines flight UL 403, was intercepted at the Green Channel by airport customs officers together with officials from the Biodiversity, Cultural and National Heritage Protection Unit of Sri Lanka Customs.

According to the Plant Protection Act No. 35 of 1993, the importation of plants or their parts into Sri Lanka requires a valid permit issued by the Department of Agriculture, along with a quarantine certificate from the exporting country confirming freedom from pests and compliance with all quarantine conditions.

Customs officials stressed that any importation outside these requirements constitutes an illegal act and a violation under the Customs Ordinance.

Following investigations, the stock of flower plants was confiscated, and a fine was imposed on the passenger. The seized plants have been handed over to the Airport Plant Quarantine Office for destruction. (Newswire)

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The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a special investigation into an alleged luxury vehicle smuggling racket involving a son of a former President, according to a report published by the state-owned newspaper Dinamina.

The report did not identify the former President or the individual alleged to be involved.

According to Dinamina, investigators are probing the alleged illegal importation of luxury vehicles worth millions of rupees by evading Customs duties during previous administrations.

The report claimed that several vehicles had allegedly been brought into the country concealed inside shipping containers and that some were being used by children of politically connected individuals.

It further alleged that some of the vehicles had been registered with the assistance of corrupt officials at the Department of Motor Traffic.

Dinamina also reported that investigators had found instances where Customs duties were later paid for vehicles instead of the vehicles being confiscated.

The newspaper further claimed that one such vehicle had previously been seized by the CID and handed over to Sri Lanka Customs, where it remains in custody.

According to the report, the son of the former President is expected to be summoned by the CID for questioning next week as part of the ongoing investigation.

No official statement has yet been issued by the Police or the CID regarding the reported investigation. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) have arrested a foreign national attempting to smuggle foreign cigarettes valued at Rs. 4,200,000 into the country.

The suspect, identified as a business employee, arrived on a China Eastern Airlines flight at 7.11 pm yesterday (28) and was stopped at the Green Channel arrival terminal.

A search of the passenger’s luggage uncovered 140 cartons of foreign cigarettes (28,000 sticks) concealed inside. Customs staff immediately intercepted the contraband.

The goods have been forfeited under prevailing regulations, with further inquiries underway. (Newswire)

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Nearly 30 grams of 24‑carat gold valued at approximately Rs. 2.8 million was found in the possession of two women detained alongside a group suspected of attempting to smuggle gold from Sri Lanka to India on Wednesday. 

A customs inquiry into the pair is currently underway.

Customs officials said samples of around 520 grams of a substance suspected to be liquid gold, seized from two other suspects, have been sent for laboratory testing. 

Four more suspects remain under observation at the Jaffna Teaching Hospital until they expel suspected gold substances from their bodies.

Meanwhile, 18 passengers were released yesterday after examinations confirmed no hidden items were discovered.

The incident stems from the detention of 26 passengers, including 17 Indians, three Sri Lankan men and six Sri Lankan women, at Kankesanthurai Port on Wednesday (17). 

Acting on intelligence, Sri Lanka Customs intercepted the group as they prepared to board ferry SG423 bound for Nagapattinam, India. 

Two passengers were initially found with gold, prompting authorities to refer all 26 to the Jaffna Teaching Hospital for further examination.

Customs officials said investigations into the suspects are continuing. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka plans to tighten customs screening to better identify imported goods made with forced labour and to implement international labour standards in a bid to avoid new U.S. tariffs on its exports, according to a report by Reuters.

Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha Fernando told Reuters that Sri Lanka already has strong labour practices and a legal framework in place, but will take further measures to eliminate concerns over child labour and forced labour. 

He said the country will adopt the International Labour Organisation’s C190 convention, ratified in April, which recognises the universal right to work free from violence and harassment.

The U.S. is Sri Lanka’s largest export market, accounting for about $3 billion in mostly apparel shipments. The apparel industry, which employs around 300,000 workers, reported $5 billion in exports last year, though shipments dipped 7.4% to $1.53 billion in the first four months of this year.

Sri Lanka is among 60 economies facing proposed new U.S. tariffs of up to 12.5% that could take effect next month.

Under the measures announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Sri Lanka would face a 12.5% duty, higher than competitors such as Bangladesh and Pakistan, which fall under the 10% rate. A special textile mechanism has also been proposed to allow limited apparel and textile imports at reduced tariff rates.

The USTR has cited failures by 54 economies to impose prohibitions on forced labour imports, while six others, including Canada, Mexico, Pakistan, Indonesia, Ecuador, and the EU, were found to have failed to enforce existing regimes. 

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said such failures “create a dynamic where American workers are forced to compete globally on an uneven playing field,” adding that Washington “will no longer tolerate this disparity.”

Public hearings on the proposed tariffs are scheduled for July 7, with written comments due by July 6 and requests to appear at hearings by June 22. 

Fernando said talks with the Office of the United States Trade Representative are ongoing, though Sri Lanka does not yet plan to send a delegation to Washington. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Customs has outperformed its May revenue target, collecting Rs. 217.9 billion against the expected Rs. 187.8 billion, a 16% increase, official data revealed.

The strong performance pushed cumulative revenue in the first five months of 2026 to Rs. 1,143.7 billion, exceeding the target by 44% compared to the same period last year. 

Customs has already achieved 51.8% of its annual target of Rs. 2,207 billion, set lower than last year’s record Rs. 2,551 billion due to expectations of reduced car imports.

Officials attribute the surge to tighter enforcement, improved valuation practices, and a rebound in import volumes after years of contraction. 

Measures against under‑invoicing and misdeclaration have also bolstered collections, positioning Customs as a key revenue source for the Treasury.

Last year, Customs exceeded its revised target of Rs. 2,241 billion by more than Rs. 300 billion, marking a 64.2% jump from 2024’s Rs. 1,553 billion. 

The latest figures suggest that despite a lower target for 2026, Customs remains on track to deliver another strong year. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Customs says vehicle imports have not declined significantly despite the surcharge imposed earlier this year, with imported vehicles continuing to enter the market.

Addressing the media, Customs spokesperson Chandana Punchihewa noted that although a large number of vehicles remain unsold, imports have not dropped as expected, and the slight reduction observed has not had any monetary impact on state revenue.

Chandana Punchihewa explained that vehicle imports contribute around 30 per cent of Customs income. 

He further said that monthly revenue figures reflect this steady contribution: in January, total revenue was Rs. 235 billion, of which Rs. 91 billion came from vehicles; in February, Rs. 215 billion with Rs. 75 billion from vehicles; in March, Rs. 231.9 billion with Rs. 77 billion from vehicles; in April, Rs. 242.9 billion with Rs. 84 billion from vehicles; and in May, up to May 28, Rs. 212 billion with Rs. 76 billion from vehicles.

Chandana Punchihewa added that the rise in the dollar rate, partly due to the Middle East war, has increased the rupee value of Customs taxes, thereby boosting revenue rather than reducing it.

He added that last year vehicle imports accounted for 30–35 per cent of Customs revenue, a trend continuing this year.

“Despite the surcharge, no reduction has been reported as previously expected,” he said. (Newswire)

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Thirteen Chinese nationals have been taken into custody at the Katunayake Airport after officials seized a large stock of foreign cigarettes valued at over Rs. 28 million.

Customs officials said the group had arrived from Bangkok, Thailand, on two flights. 

They were intercepted at the arrival terminal carrying 22 travel bags, inside which officers discovered 189,600 cigarettes.

The consignment is estimated to be worth Rs. 28,440,000. 

Airport authorities confirmed that the suspects are businessmen aged between 28 and 45 years. (Newswire)

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Customs officers at Katunayake Airport have arrested three Chinese businessmen for attempting to smuggle a large stock of foreign‑made cigarettes into Sri Lanka early this morning (25).

The suspects, aged 31, 36, and 40, were apprehended while trying to pass through the Green Channel without declaring the goods. 

Investigations revealed that the cigarettes had been purchased in China, transported via Kuala Lumpur, and brought into Sri Lanka concealed in six pieces of luggage.

Officials discovered 202 cartons containing 40,000 cigarettes, with the total consignment valued at approximately Rs. 6.6 million.

The suspects are currently in Customs custody at Katunayake Airport, while further investigations into the incident are ongoing. (Newswire)

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Customs Narcotics Control officers at the Katunayake Airport today (18) arrested two Sri Lankan passengers attempting to smuggle a large stock of “Kush” narcotics valued at over Rs. 140 million.

The suspects had arrived from Bangkok on a SriLankan Airlines flight around 9.30 am and were intercepted while trying to exit through the Green Channel. 

Customs Officials discovered 14.562 kilos of Kush concealed inside two pieces of luggage.

The drugs had been carefully packed into 28 parcels and hidden among clothing, according to Customs.

Investigations revealed that the suspects are residents of Dematagoda, Colombo. One is a 23‑year‑old employee at a liquor store, while the other is a 30‑year‑old Nattami.

Both men have been handed over to the Katunayake Airport Police Narcotics Division for further inquiries. (Newswire)

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The Vehicle Importers Association of Sri Lanka (VIASL) has cautioned that the Government’s newly‑imposed 50% surcharge on vehicle imports will push prices up by at least Rs. 1.5 million, worsening affordability for consumers.

VIASL Spokesperson Arosha Rodrigo told the media that the surcharge, announced through a gazette, comes on top of existing customs duties and recent increases in foreign currency rates.

“Vehicle prices are rising at a rate that no one can afford. The new surcharge on top of this is unbearable for vehicle importers. Many vehicles will increase by 1.5 to 2.5 million rupees,” Rodrigo said.

He explained that customs duty for every vehicle, whether personally imported or sold through dealerships, will increase due to the surcharge. “Definitely, there will be a minimum increase of Rs. 1.5 million for vehicles. But it depends on vehicle to vehicle,” he added.

Rodrigo noted that those who had already opened Letters of Credit before May 15 would be spared the surcharge, though they would still face higher costs due to the rising US dollar and Japanese yen.

VIASL warned that the combined impact of the surcharge, currency fluctuations, and the recent 2.5% increase in the Social Security Contribution Levy would lead to significant price hikes across the market. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Customs officers at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) have intercepted an Indian national attempting to smuggle foreign cigarettes valued at Rs. 5,040,000 into the country.

The suspect, a 26‑year‑old business employee, arrived from Bangkok, Thailand, at 11.28 pm yesterday (14).

He was stopped at the Green Channel arrival terminal during a targeted inspection by Customs staff.

A thorough examination of his checked baggage revealed 168 cartons of foreign cigarettes (33,600 sticks) concealed inside two pieces of luggage.

Customs officials confirmed that the contraband has been forfeited under existing regulations, and further investigations are underway. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the appointment of Wimal S.K. Liyanagama as the new Director General of Customs, effective today (05).

Liyanagama, an officer of the Special Grade of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service, currently serves as Director General of the Department of Management Services. 

His appointment follows the conclusion of the term of Seevali Arukgoda, who has been serving as Director General of Customs until today.

The proposal for the appointment was presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance and received Cabinet approval. (Newswire)

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Customs officials at the Katunayake Airport arrested a 35‑year‑old Chinese national today (20) after he attempted to smuggle nearly 230,000 foreign cigarettes through the Green Channel.

It is reported that the suspect had arrived from China via Bangkok and used the assistance of three airport porters to conceal 229,800 cigarettes inside 13 pieces of luggage. 

The consignment, valued at approximately Rs. 35 million, was intercepted by Customs officers.

After handing over the luggage, the suspect tried to flee through the Green Channel but was pursued and apprehended by officials in the airport vehicle yard. 

The cigarette stock has been confiscated, and further investigations are underway. (Newswire)

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Six Chinese nationals have been arrested at Katunayake Airport after attempting to illegally bring a large stock of cigarettes into Sri Lanka, valued at approximately Rs. 11.38 million.

Customs officials, together with officers from the Customs Narcotics Control Division, detained the suspects during inspections early this morning. 

According to Customs officials, the group had arrived on three separate flights.

Authorities discovered 75,900 cigarettes manufactured in China concealed in their travel bags and backpacks. 

Katunayake Airport Customs has launched further investigations into the suspects, who remain in custody. (Newswire)

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Authorities at the Katunayake Airport arrested a Sri Lankan passenger on Thursday (26) after he attempted to smuggle 38 exotic pets into the country in violation of the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance (FFPO) and the Animal Diseases Act.

According to reports, the suspect, a 56‑year‑old resident of Digana, Kandy, had arrived from Bangkok at 12:01 am when officers of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) and Customs officials intercepted him.

Upon inspection, officials discovered cages hidden in his luggage containing guinea pigs, squirrels, dove birds, sugar gliders, and hedgehogs.

Following investigations, Customs imposed a fine of Rs. 250,000 on the suspect. 

The confiscated animals were subsequently handed over to Thai Airways to be returned to Bangkok, officials confirmed. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet of Ministers has granted approval to procure the Oracle Exadata X11M system and related software licenses for Sri Lanka Customs, following a decision taken at the Cabinet meeting held on August 21, 2024.

In line with the national competitive bidding process, three bids were received. After evaluation, only one bidder was deemed technically eligible. 

The financial proposal of this bidder was subsequently assessed, and based on recommendations from the High‑Level Procurement Committee, the Cabinet approved awarding the contract to Millennium I.T.E.S.P. (Private) Limited.

The procurement, valued at Rs. 2,197.96 million (excluding taxes), will be executed over a period of eight years. 

Oracle Exadata is a high-performance database system designed to run large-scale data processing and analytics for enterprise and government institutions.

The proposal for the procurement was presented by the President in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. (Newswire)

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Electricity trade unions say that they will engage in a six‑hour token strike today (26 Feb) based on eight demands.

The unions stated that although authorities were informed of their issues on several occasions, no solutions have been provided so far.

President of the Ceylon Electricity Board Technical Engineers’ Union, Kosala Abeysinghe, said, accordingly, from 12.00 noon to 6.00 pm today, a token strike will be carried out island‑wide.

Meanwhile, customs trade unions say that, depending on the outcome of today’s discussion with the Deputy Minister of Finance regarding their demands, further trade union action will be decided.

Vice President of the Customs Officers’ Union, Geethanjana Madapatha, said that the trade union action of reporting to duty wearing black bands since last Tuesday continues today. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Customs has reported revenue of Rs. 175.4 billion within the first three weeks of January 2026, exceeding its monthly target of Rs. 160.2 billion by Rs. 15.2 billion. 

The achievement, announced on International Customs Day, marked yesterday (26 Jan), reflects a 9.5% increase over the expected figure.

Customs data show that in 2025, the department recorded its highest-ever annual revenue of Rs. 2,551 billion, surpassing the target of Rs. 2,241 billion and marking a 64.2% increase over 2024.

For 2026, the annual revenue target has been set at Rs. 2,207 billion. 

Customs Director General Sevali Arukgoda stated that the main strategic focus will be on full digitalization of processes, faster service delivery, enhanced transparency, and improved efficiency. 

He added that stricter enforcement of customs laws, better valuation methods, and a rebound in import volumes after years of decline contributed to January’s revenue growth.

Arukgoda further noted that closer monitoring of under‑valuation and misdeclaration of goods has strengthened government revenue collection. (Newswire)

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