Sri Lanka imported 316,000 vehicles in the first six months of 2026, generating Rs. 512.55 billion in tax revenue, according to figures presented to Parliament's Committee on Ways and Means. Overall Customs revenue reached Rs. 1.379 trillion, exceeding the half-year target by 30 percent.
Sri Lanka Customs collected Rs. 512.55 billion in tax revenue from 316,000 vehicle imports during the first half of 2026, according to figures disclosed to Parliament's Committee on Ways and Means, chaired by MP Wijesiri Basnayake. Motor vehicle imports accounted for Rs. 386.73 billion of this total, representing the largest share of vehicle-related tax collections.
Petrol-powered cars with engine capacities below 1,000cc emerged as the single highest revenue-generating commodity category, bringing in Rs. 137.4 billion and accounting for nearly 10 percent of Sri Lanka Customs' total revenue collection during the period.
Broader customs performance exceeded expectations substantially. Sri Lanka Customs collected Rs. 1.379 trillion by June 30, surpassing the Rs. 1.061 trillion revenue target set for the first half of the year, representing 130 percent of the target amount. Officials informed the committee that revenue had exceeded monthly targets consistently throughout the period and recorded higher collections than the corresponding months in 2025.
During the parliamentary review, officials also discussed container inspection procedures, the adoption of modern technology to improve operational efficiency, challenges in revenue administration, and future enhancement plans for the Customs service.