Given that Sri Lanka is an island economy, it can position itself much better than its South Asian neighbours to facilitate trade and gain from higher levels of trade, investment and economic growth. In this context, this study aims to, (a) assess the current status of trade facilitation in Sri Lanka and, (b) identify trade facilitation reforms required in the country and their prioritization. The findings are based chiefly on a perception survey carried out among 121 different stakeholders in the import/export process including exporters, importers, freight forwarders, shipping lines, airline operators and others.
The findings of the study highlight the need for, a single inquiry point, change in mindset of key agencies as well as the private sector, capacity building of testing laboratories in the country, extension of pre-arrival processing facilities for more products, improved warehousing and scanning facilities, improvements in rail transport, and automating systems. The findings of this study will feed into a regional study carried out by SAWTEE.