Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2023-11-06 (Subject to Confirmation at the next Meeting)

Proposed Amendments to the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235)

- The Cabinet at its meeting held on 2022‑10‑03 has granted approval to the proposal submitted by the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies to amend sections 47, 57 and 153 of the Customs Ordinance (Chapter 235) pertaining to the matters such as revenue collection, transparency, trade facilitation and compliance requirements. Further, taking into consideration the recommendations submitted by the Ministerial Committee appointed under the chairmanship of the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation to examine and report the existing issues pertaining to the release of goods retained by the Sri lanka Customs, the Cabinet approval has been granted at the meeting held on 2023‑09‑04 to amend the relevant provisions in the Customs Ordinance. Accordingly, the proposal made by the Hon. President in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stabilization and National Policies to instruct the Legal Draftsman to prepare a Bill to amend the Customs Ordinance with regard to the proposed amendments, was approved by the Cabinet.