Sri Lanka Customs has attributed the strong performance in 2025 revenue to a significant rise in vehicle import duties, which have nearly doubled from the original forecast of Rs. 400 billion to nearly Rs. 800 billion.
Customs Media Spokesperson Chandana Punchihewa stated that as of Tuesday (Dec 9), total revenue collected had reached Rs. 2,344.7 billion, surpassing the annual target of Rs. 2,115 billion set at the start of the year.
“The main factor behind the better-than-expected revenue is the surge in vehicle import duties,” Punchihewa said. “Our original forecast was Rs. 400 billion, but revenue has now exceeded Rs. 700 billion and is approaching Rs. 800 billion.”
Current projections indicate that total Customs revenue for 2025 could exceed the annual target by around Rs. 400 billion. On December 9 alone, Customs collected about Rs. 18 billion, and collections are expected to remain at similar levels until December 15.
Revenue collection is anticipated to slow from December 20 as companies close for the Christmas holiday, with imports generally ceasing after December 25.
