Inauguration of the Technical Committee on Rules of Origin Marks a Milestone in Strengthening Sri Lanka’s Trade Facilitation Framework
Sri Lanka Customs, in collaboration with the Department of Commerce, ceremonially inaugurated the Technical Committee on Rules of Origin (TCRO) on 10th December 2025, marking a significant advancement in modernising the country’s trade governance architecture, strengthening transparency and enhancing alignment with international best practices.
The establishment of this Committee represents a key institutional reform aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s national Rules of Origin (RoO) framework, improving inter-agency coordination and supporting importers and exporters engaged in inward processing schemes in effectively utilizing preferential trade arrangements and supply chain management. Importantly, this initiative also fulfils Sri Lanka’s mandatory obligation under Article 3 of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which calls for enhanced transparency, cooperation and efficient administration of Rules of Origin.
The ceremony was held under the leadership of Mr. Seevali Arukgoda, Director General of Customs and the strategic guidance of Mr. Achala Chandrasekara, Additional Director General of Customs (Corporate) and Mr. M. A. M. Nazir, the founder chairman of TCRO with the participation of the senior officials from both Sri Lanka Customs and the Department of Commerce. A departmental order (DOPL) into this effect has already been issued laying necessary institutional foundation and a gazette notification pertaining to the advance ruling on rules of origin will be issued shortly.
Purpose, Structure and Mandate of the Committee
The Technical Committee on Rules of Origin will comprise officials from both Sri Lanka Customs and the Department of Commerce, reflecting a strengthened and institutionalised mechanism for sustained inter-agency collaboration in the implementation of Rules of Origin.
The Committee will:
- Strengthen the ROO framework in Sri Lanka Customs across preferential and non- preferential regimes.
- Enhance cross-agency coordination, particularly between Sri Lanka Customs and the Department of Commerce.
- Support importers and trade-related stakeholders by clarifying RoO requirements, reducing compliance costs and promoting accurate origin certification.
- Contribute to the effective utilization of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) and GSP schemes.
- Facilitate harmonization with international standards and support the issuance of Advanced Rulings on Origin in accordance with the obligations set out under Article 3 of the WTO TFA.”
Significance to the National Economy
The inauguration of the TCRO reflects the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s trade competitiveness. A robust and transparent Rules of Origin framework is essential for ensuring consistency, predictability and efficiency in trade administration, which are key prerequisites for enhancing market access and supporting export- led growth.
By enabling a structured and technically informed approach to RoO implementation, the Committee is expected to play a transformative role in:
- Enhancing Sri Lanka’s credibility within global and regional value chains
- Reducing disputes and delays in origin verification
- Ensuring adherence to international obligations
- Securing preferential tariff benefits for legitimate traders in a fair and efficient manner
Commitment to Continued Collaboration
Sri Lanka Customs reaffirmed its commitment to working collaboratively with the Department of Commerce and other key government agencies to further strengthen the Rules of Origin ecosystem. The inauguration of the TCRO represents a renewed and forward-looking effort to deepen institutional cooperation, improve regulatory clarity and promote evidence-based decision-making in support of Sri Lanka’s broader trade facilitation agenda.
