In a bid to minimise customs fraud and ensure accurate tax collection, Sri Lanka Customs has decided to publish the names of individuals and institutions that violate customs laws and evade taxes, making their identities publicly accessible via the official Customs website.
This measure, set to begin in June, is intended to deter willful tax evasion by promoting transparency and accountability, while encouraging proper tax payments and discouraging illegal imports and exports. The goal is to reduce the unlawful movement of goods across borders, according to Customs spokesperson and Additional Director General, Seevali Arukgoda.
Under the Customs Ordinance, names will be published only after proper investigations and the completion of inquiries where individuals or entities are found guilty.
Furthermore, Sri Lanka Customs has established a dedicated unit to prevent money laundering and the financing of terrorism, in line with the directives of the Financial Intelligence Unit under the Central Bank. This unit will also conduct further investigations into entities and individuals involved in customs violations, and will coordinate with the Financial Intelligence Unit and the Criminal Investigation Department where necessary.
The public will be able to access these disclosures through the official website: http://www.customs.gov.lk.
