The Sri Lanka Customs is to launch an automated container tracking and logging system for imported cargo on a temporary basis at the Colombo port within the next six months, until the work on the proposed ‘smart customs area’ is completed, a senior Sri Lanka Customs official said. 

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the 83rd annual general meeting of the Import Section of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka Customs Director H.K.M. Sunil Jayarathne revealed that his agency is in the process of setting up a smart custom area in the former Bloemendhal garbage dumping site, once the garbage is cleared. 

Jayarathne stressed that in the meantime, as a temporary measure, the Customs would introduce an e-log system for container tracking and logging, equivalent to an automated out gate, which would cut the processing time of documents drastically.

Jayarathne noted that the Sri Lanka Customs would also benefit from the new e-log system as it would be vital to reduce malpractices. Commenting on the launch date of the proposed smart customs area, he admitted that the process of setting it up would take “some time”. 

The Customs also plans to set up smart examination yards and other smart infrastructure in the smart custom area as the existing examination yards are located out of Colombo.

Jayarathne noted that the Customs would also be looking into obtaining more land, if the space in the Bloemendhal property is not sufficient. He emphasised that if the government cannot bear the costs of operations, the government could easily outsource these tasks to the private sector.  

Jayarathne also noted that the Customs would also look into expanding the number of ‘out’ gates at the Colombo port.

“Unfortunately, there’s only one out gate. Hence, we have to expand the gate area,” he said.
However, analysts point out that lack of political will is delaying the automation of the Custom’s operation, which is vital to cut down the transactional costs while saving time. 

The government has put pressure on the Sri Lanka Customs to prioritise meeting the revenue targets over improving the efficiency of services as well as modernisation of operations, they alleged.(NF)