Ministry of Finance Signs MoUs with 18 Government Agencies to Boost National Trade Digitization

Colombo, 24 June 2025 – In a major stride toward modernizing Sri Lanka’s trade ecosystem, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development signed Memorandam of Understanding (MoUs) with eighteen (18) participating Government Agencies (GAs) on Tuesday, 24th June 2025 at 10.00 a.m. at the Randora Auditorium,Ministry of Finance.

These MoUs are intended to formalize the commitment of all parties and ensure the active support and cooperation of the respective agencies in the successful implementation of theTrade National Single Window System Project — a transformative initiative aimed at digitizing and streamlining cross-border trade processes.

The event commenced with welcome remarks by the Director General of the Department of Trade and Investment Policy, Mr. M.K. Pradeep Kumara highlighting the importance of inter-agency collaboration in enhancing Sri Lanka’s trade facilitation environment.

Following the opening remarks, the Project Director of the Trade National Single Window System Project (TNSWSP), Mr. Neelakanth Wanninayake delivered a brief presentation outlining the project’s development framework, key milestones achieved, and the expected support and cooperation required at the ministerial level to ensure effective implementation.

The MoU signing ceremony was held concurrently with the first Inter-Ministerial Coordination Committee (IMCC) Meeting, underlining the importance of inter-agency collaboration in the project’s success. Heads of the respective Government Agencies participated in the event as Authorized Signatories, endorsing their institutional support for this national priority.

Mr. H.C.D.L. Silva, Deputy Secretary to the Treasury, attended the event as the Chief Guest and also signed the MoUs on behalf of the Ministry of Finance, symbolizing the Ministry’s leadership and commitment to this digital transformation effort.

In addition to the signatories, Additional Secretaries from the relevant line ministries of the 18 Government Agencies were also present, acting as Ministerial Coordinators to facilitate continued coordination throughout the project’s implementation.

Adding to the significance of the day, the official website of the Trade National Single Window System Project was ceremonially launched by Mr. Silva prior to the MoU signing. The website will serve as a central information platform for stakeholders, providing updates, resources, and progress on the project. 

This multi-agency initiative is expected to drastically improve trade efficiency, transparency, and accountability by reducing delays and enabling electronic submission, processing, and clearance of trade-related documents across all regulatory bodies involved.

The Trade National Single Window System (TNSWS) Project is a flagship initiative of the Government of Sri Lanka, operating under the Trade and Investment Policy Department of the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development. Its goal is to enhance trade facilitation by creating a centralized digital platform for international trade, allowing businesses to submit standardized information and documents through a single-entry point. This system will streamline processes, reduce redundancy, and improve efficiency by connecting multiple Government Agencies (GAs) responsible for issuing Certificates, Licenses, Permits, and Recommendations (CLPR) for imports, exports, and transshipments.