A programme to raise awareness among importers and the business community on the “Digital Signature and Paperless Customs Declaration System”, organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, was held yesterday (18) morning at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce auditorium.
The programme was organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce in line with the Government’s programme to expedite the Paperless Document Processing at Customs initiative.
The benefits that the paperless Customs declaration project would bring to the trade sector were discussed extensively at the programme.
Delivering a special lecture on the Government’s digitalisation policy and the role of the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernization Bureau, its Head, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Mr Seevali Arukgoda, said he appreciated the contribution made by the Information Technology Division of Sri Lanka Customs towards the successful implementation of the project, which will come into operation from 1 October.
Thereafter, officials from LankaPay and Sri Lanka Customs conducted a technical session, during which participants were provided with comprehensive information on what a digital signature is, the correct procedure for obtaining one, and how it can be practically used when submitting Customs Declarations.
Customs Directors Ruwan Thisera and Sisira Kumara, Directors of the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernization Bureau W. L. C. Thilakasiri and M. A. Premalal, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Officer and Secretary-General Shiran Fernando, senior officials of Sri Lanka Customs and its Information Technology Division, representatives of LankaPay, and a large number of representatives from the importing and business communities participated in the programme.
