Foreign governments, international organizations, private donors, and Sri Lankans living overseas have made numerous inquiries about donating essential goods to support people affected by the ongoing disaster situation in the country.
In response, the Government of Sri Lanka has announced a more convenient mechanism to ensure that in-kind aid sent to the country is cleared quickly and distributed promptly, without any import taxes or levies.
According to the announcement, donors can access guidelines on material donations via the Sri Lanka Customs website (www.customs.gov.lk). Detailed information on the categories of essential goods and materials eligible for donation can be found at (www.donate.gov.lk).
The government confirmed that foreign donors may send in-kind aid using any mode of transportation, provided all consignments are addressed as follows to qualify for tax-free clearance:
Secretary
Ministry of Defence
Disaster Management Centre (DMC)
Vidya Mawatha, Colombo 07
Additionally, if donations are sent directly to any other individual or organization within Sri Lanka and the sender or receiver seeks tax exemptions, the receiving party must agree to hand over the items to the Disaster Management Centre. Otherwise, the normal customs clearance procedure will apply.
Further details are available on the Sri Lanka Customs website or via the dedicated hotline +94 70 475 2823, or by emailing relief25@customs.gov.lk.
The Government stated that all goods cleared under the Disaster Management Centre will be promptly distributed to affected communities in line with the approved guidelines, and encouraged continued international and local support. (PMD)
