President to revenue agencies: Fiscal discipline non-negotiable

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake commends record collections, sets tone for 2026 and beyond Checks on governance mechanisms, asks for detailed plans for progress Sri Lanka Customs enters 2026 with a surplus of Rs. 300 b, exceeding its revenue targets Highest revenue in 93-year history of Inland Revenue collected in 2025; Rs. 33 b over target Excise Department on track to outperform for first time in its history, reach 102% of target

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PRESIDENT and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited Sri Lanka Customs, the Inland Revenue Department and the Excise Department yesterday to commend record-breaking performances and to deliver a clear message: sustained revenue mobilisation, strict enforcement and institutional integrity are now central to economic stability.

President Dissanayake visited the three main revenue agencies of the Government-Sri Lanka Customs, the Inland Revenue Department, and the Excise Department to commend their record-breaking performances and discuss their plans for 2026 and beyond.

The year 2025 has been recorded as the highest revenue-earning year in the history of Sri Lanka Customs, according to Sri Lanka Customs Director General S. P. Arukgoda, who noted that the Department surpassed its expected revenue target of Rs.2,115 billion, enabling it to enter 2026 with an additional surplus of approximately Rs. 300 billion.

According to President's Media Division, during the visit, the President engaged in extensive discussions with the Director General, Directors and senior officials of the Department.

Commending the vital role played by Sri Lanka Customs in generating much-needed State revenue and contributing to economic and social stability, the President expressed his appreciation to all Customs employees for their commitment and service.

Emphasising that Sri Lanka Customs is one of the country's key revenue-generating institutions, the President highlighted the importance of maintaining operations in an efficient, transparent and accountable manner. He also called upon all officers to work collectively, with renewed plans and strategies, to lead the country towards economic success in 2026.