Sri Lanka Customs’ September revenue exceeds target by 32-pct

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka Customs exceeded its September target by 32.1 percent, while the revenue in the first nine months of 2026 jumped around 22 percent compared to the same period last year, official data showed.

Customs’ September revenue target was set at 195.6 billion rupees. However, the revenue-collecting body collected 258.3 billion rupees that month, exceeding the target by nearly a third, according to official data.

It also exceeded the cumulative target for the first nine months by 29.2%, achieving 2,117 billion rupees.

Last year, Customs collected a record 2,551 billion rupees in revenue, exceeding a revised target of 2,241 billion rupees for the year and achieving 64.2% higher revenue than the previous year’s revenue of 1,553 million rupees.

Customs has set a revenue target of 2,207 billion rupees for this year, 13.5% less than last year as it expects a significant decline in car imports. Data showed it achieved 95.9% of this year’s target in the first nine months.

Analysts expect the revenue collecting body to achieve its 2026 full year target by mid-October,

Sri Lanka Customs’ revenue jump is largely due to stronger enforcement, improved valuation practices, and a rebound in import volumes after years of contraction.

Following the 2022 economic crisis, imports fell sharply as the country imposed restrictions to conserve foreign exchange.

However, with the stabilization of reserves, the relaxation of certain import controls, and a steady recovery in consumer demand, customs collections from import duties, excise, and other levies have risen.

Officials note that tighter monitoring of under-invoicing and misdeclaration of goods has also contributed to boosting state revenue.

The combined effect of increased import activity, currency movements, and stricter enforcement has positioned Customs as one of the top revenue sources for the Treasury in 2025, providing a vital cushion as the state works to meet fiscal targets under the IMF-supported program. (Colombo/October 09/2026)