An awareness programme on the “Digital Signature and Paperless Customs Declaration System”, organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, was held yesterday morning (18) at the Chamber’s auditorium.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the programme was conducted in line with the Government’s initiative to expedite paperless document processing at Sri Lanka Customs.

During the programme, participants extensively discussed the benefits that the paperless Customs declaration project is expected to bring to the trade sector.

Delivering a special lecture on the Government’s digitalisation policy and the role of the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernization Bureau, its Head and Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Seevali Arukgoda, commended the contribution made by the Information Technology Division of Sri Lanka Customs towards the successful implementation of the project, which is scheduled to come into operation on October 1.

Officials from LankaPay and Sri Lanka Customs subsequently conducted a technical session, providing participants with comprehensive information on digital signatures, the procedure for obtaining them, and their practical use in the submission of Customs declarations, the PMD stated.

Among those who attended the programme were Customs Directors Ruwan Thisera and Sisira Kumara; Directors of the Revenue Administration Reform and Modernization Bureau, W. L. C. Thilakasiri and M. A. Premalal; Chief Executive Officer and Secretary-General of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Shiran Fernando; senior officials of Sri Lanka Customs and its Information Technology Division; representatives of LankaPay; and members of the importing and business communities.