Highest revenue generated through vehicle imports

by October: Customs reveal

By Ajith Siriwardana

Sri Lanka Customs revealed that the highest revenue had been generated through vehicle imports by October 14, 2025, which had earned Rs. 587.11 billion, constituting 37% of the total revenue by that date.
This was revealed during the meeting of the Committee on Ways and Means at Parliament Complex recently, chaired by Member of Parliament Wijesiri Basnayake.
It was revealed that by 14th October 55,447 motor cars had been imported, generating customs duties amounting to Rs. 474.26 billion,  while 7,331 goods transport vehicles had been imported, generating Rs. 48.67 billion in revenue.
Imports also included 142,524 motorcycles and 15,035 three-wheelers, earning Rs. 30.37 billion and Rs. 15.10 billion respectively and 1,679 passenger transport buses and vans had been imported, contributing Rs. 12.66 billion in revenue.
The Officials informed the Committee that, as of September 30, 2025, they had been able to achieve 117% of the expected revenue target.
They said that the expected customs revenue as of September 30, 2025, was Rs. 1,485 billion, while revenue amounting to Rs. 1,737 billion had been collected by that date. Officials further explained to the Committee that, compared to the previous year, customs revenue had recorded a significant increase every month this year. Officials have informed the Committee that steps have been taken to introduce a new digital system (E-Tendering system) for the auctioning of confiscated goods and that it is scheduled to be launched in the near future. The Committee observed that this initiative would serve as a valuable precedent for other state institutions as well.