The Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation has relaunched efforts to establish an Air Cargo Community System aimed at accelerating cargo clearance processes and reducing bureaucratic delays at the country's airports.
Sri Lanka has reinstated its efforts to implement an Air Cargo Community System (ACCS) designed to enhance efficiency in air cargo operations across the nation. The Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation is coordinating the project through a multi-stakeholder committee comprising representatives from Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka), Sri Lanka Customs, the Board of Investment, SriLankan Airlines, and the Ministry of Digital Economy, among other relevant bodies.
The project represents a second attempt at implementation, as a previous initiative launched in 2023 stalled due to inadequate coordination between stakeholders involved in air cargo processes. Officials have now regrouped these agencies to establish a unified framework for project execution. A feasibility study is currently being conducted to evaluate technical requirements and business viability before proceeding further.
The proposed system is intended to reduce processing delays and excessive documentation while enabling faster information exchange between government agencies, carriers, and other logistics participants. According to the Ministry, the initiative would improve service transparency and quality for both importers and exporters. By digitising and coordinating air cargo supply chain operations, the ACCS aims to enhance operational efficiency and support Sri Lanka's development as a regional aviation and logistics center.
A progress review meeting on the initiative was recently convened under the leadership of Deputy Minister Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku. The system is positioned as part of broader infrastructure modernisation efforts intended to strengthen the country's trade facilitation capabilities and business environment.
