The Sri Lanka Customs Department is prepared to provide full assistance in facilitating direct export operations from Jaffna, Director General Seewali Arukgoda assured the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan.
The Governor of the Northern Province had previously made a request, via letter, to the Director General of the Sri Lanka Customs Department regarding the commencement of direct export operations from the North. In response to this request, a special discussion was held at the Governor’s Secretariat on Monday evening (12 January 2026).
During the meeting, the Governor highlighted the export-related challenges faced by the Northern Province. He noted that agricultural and other producers in the region currently depend on third parties to export their products, which significantly reduces the fair profits they should receive.
To address this issue, he stressed the need to establish appropriate mechanisms that would enable farmers to export their produce directly. He stated that steps are already being taken in this regard and emphasized that the support of the Customs Department is essential for the swift implementation of this initiative.
Responding to these concerns, Director General of the Sri Lanka Customs Department, Seewali Arukgoda, stated that the Department agrees in principle with the project. He assured that existing practical challenges would be addressed promptly and that opportunities for direct exports from Jaffna would be created in the near future.
The Governor expressed his confidence that the initiative would commence as soon as possible.
The discussion was attended by the Secretary to the Governor, the Coordinating Secretaries to the Governor and the Additional Directors of the Sri Lanka Customs Department.
