The government has formulated a new mechanism to allow the importation of essential relief goods provided by foreign donors for disaster-affected communities, exempt from all customs duties and fees. It is reported that this system was established in response to numerous requests from foreign countries, international organizations, individual donors, as well as Sri Lankans living abroad who wish to donate essential goods to those affected.

Accordingly, a simplified process has been announced to ensure that aid shipments sent to Sri Lanka are cleared from customs without any tariffs and distributed rapidly. Donors can access guidelines on the donation process by visiting www.customs.gov.lk, while detailed information regarding the specific types of essential goods and materials that can be donated is available at www.donate.gov.lk.

In a related development, the Cabinet has granted approval to establish the “Re-Building Sri Lanka” fund, aiming to reconstruct the country following the massive devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwa. This fund is set to be established as a statutory fund under the Presidential Secretariat, and its management committee will be comprised of representatives from both the public and private sectors.