COLOMBO, July 29 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka will introduce a paperless customs declaration processing system as part of efforts to modernize public services and accelerate digitalization, Secretary to the President Nandika Sanath Kumanayake said.
Speaking at an awareness program on digital signatures and paperless customs declarations in Colombo, Kumanayake said the system would make customs clearance faster, more efficient and transparent.
The system will detect any changes made to documents after they have been digitally signed, helping reduce opportunities for fraud and corruption, he said.
Kumanayake assured customs clearing agents that the reform would not result in job losses. Although their work could change, rising trade volumes would help safeguard employment, he said.
The system will integrate the LankaSign digital signature service with the ASYCUDA customs platform, allowing users to submit customs documents online in a secure and legally valid manner.
Kumanayake said the government could launch the system successfully on Oct. 1. ■
