Customs set to open Rs 7 billion HQ

Shirajiv SIRIMANE

Sri Lanka Customs headquarters built near the Charmer’s jetty in Colombo Fort with one side bordering the Beira Lake will be opened next month taking imports and exports to a new level in Sri Lanka. The government has invested Rs seven billion for the new building.

One of the much awaited and long overdue electronic date change (EDI) project too is to be implemented with the opening of the new complex.

In the total building area of 400,000 square feet this building will have ten lifts and four escalators.

A water recycling system is in the building and the recycled water will be used for hygienic purposes and for vehicle cleaning.

The building will be 52 metres tall and on top of the building there will be a communication tower of 25 metres height. A special lab will be set up inside the new building to test samples of shipments.

The area was first earmarked to be ‘sold’ and President Mahinda Rajapaksa intervened and halted the sale and decided to build the Customs head office. The EDI system is to be outsourced and authorities are currently looking at an experienced player to manage this, Custom House Agents and Wharf Assistance Association (CHAWA) President M. S. M. Niyaz said.

Niyaz said this is the first time that all services under Customs will come under one roof and is a welcome move by the stakeholders.

“The one stop concept will help to increase efficiency, reduce documentation time and on the long run would also lead to savings for stakeholders,” he said.

He added that with Sri Lanka speedily heading towards high development a facility of this nature was a need for the industry.

“With the liberation of the North and the East the Sri Lankan market expanded and with that it is apparent that there will be an increase in imports and exports. Sri Lanka Customs need to adjust to the new environment and the new building will be a great boost for us,” a Customs official said.

Sri Lanka Customs is one of the oldest government departments, established in 1806.

Customs EDI/DTI service bureaus are to be set up to allow 100 percent electronic submission of Custom declarations. “One Stop Customs Centre at the new building is welcomed.

Import goods Custom valuation point is to be set up at the Ranked Container Terminal in Orugodawatta.