Sri Lanka Customs recorded an impressive start to 2025, collecting Rs. 232.55 billion in revenue in January, significantly exceeding its monthly target of Rs. 160.2 billion by 45 per cent. The performance marks one of the Department’s strongest monthly outcomes in recent years and reinforces its role as a major contributor to State revenue.

By the first 22 days of January, collections had already reached Rs. 175.4 billion, surpassing the target ahead of schedule and reflecting sustained momentum in import related inflows. Despite a lower annual target of Rs. 2,207 billion for 2025, January’s results indicate stronger than expected revenue performance.

Officials attribute the surge to higher import volumes, favourable currency movements, and strengthened enforcement measures. Enhanced monitoring to curb under invoicing and misdeclaration has further improved compliance, supporting fiscal consolidation efforts under the IMF backed reform programme.