Seevali Arukgoda has been appointed as the 45th Director General of Sri Lanka Customs.

Arukgoda’s appointment is effective from today, 26th August 2025.

He served as the Additional Director General of Customs before his new appointment. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Customs says the congestion reported at the Colombo Port was due to a delay in the clearance of the government-approved imported salt.

Addressing the media, Additional Director General of Customs, Seevali Arukgoda, acknowledged congestion at the Port, stating that several containers of imported salt were brought down in a short period. 

“Generally, we receive around 1200 containers per day. But last week we got between 2400-2500 containers per day, which were mostly imported salt,” he said.

Arukgoda explained that the inspection of these containers had caused a slight congestion and delay in clearance at the Colombo Port.

“We grant clearance to these food items only after conducting the necessary checks and tests. Food items are subjected to tests by the Sri Lanka Standards Institute and food analysts, and are only released upon their approval. Especially, imported salt must undergo a quality check. A few days of delay may occur to obtain the report and receive the approval of the Sri Lanka Standards Institute for clearance,” he said. 

Arukgoda clarified that the congestion at the Colombo Port had been caused due to this delay, adding that it had only resulted in a day or two of delay, and not weeks or months.

He further said that Sri Lanka Customs was continuing the clearance of these containers, focusing on quick clearance and ensuring the suitability for human consumption.

The Additional Director General of Customs assured that the congestion will be eased and normalised in the next two or three days. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Customs says that vehicle imports alone have generated Rs. 165 billion in revenue since imports resumed earlier this year.

Speaking at a media briefing in Colombo, Additional Director General of Customs, Seevali Arukgoda, stated that the department is on track to exceed this year’s revenue target of Rs. 2,115 billion.

“In 2024, our target was Rs. 1,533 billion, and we ended the year with Rs. 1,535 billion in revenue. This year, by mid-June, we’ve already earned over Rs. 900 billion,” he said.

Arukgoda revealed that, since the government allowed motor vehicle imports from 01 February 2025, around 14,000 vehicles have been brought in, generating Rs. 165 billion in revenue. 

“We expect this figure to reach Rs. 450 billion by the end of the year,” he added. (Newswire)

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