The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake

¶ 01 So, I am looking forward to the modernization process.

¶ 02 Also, we should consider having the Sri Lanka Customs operating on a 24-hour basis. We have been requesting for that regularly, and the response from the Sri Lanka Customs has been that they are capable of operating 24 hours, but the other line authorities do not help them to do so. That is why we are asking you to bring the ASYCUDA system into operation. Also, if the Department of Inland Revenue, commercial banks and other authorities involved in import regulation work online, it would help the Sri Lanka Customs to operate on a 24-hour basis. Today, I call upon the Government to ensure that it works. If we are to move forward to the next level, providing exporters with a trouble-free service and if we want to be competitive with the rest of the world, we must ensure that the Sri Lanka Customs operates on a 24-hour basis. Operating on a 24-hour basis does not mean that Customs Officers have to be in offices all that time, but that any shipment would be cleared immediately upon arrival. This is essential, if we are to move forward to the next level.