The National Single Window Phase I to become operational by end-’27
The Morning: Phase I of the Trade National Single Window (TNSW) system, with six Government agencies integrated, is expected to become operational by the end of 2027.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, TNSW Project Director Neelakanth Wanninayake revealed that 18 regulatory agencies had been earmarked to be connected to the TNSW system, adding that the project would be implemented in a phased manner.
The first phase will be a pilot phase involving only six integrated institutions, while the second phase will entail full implementation with the rollout to the remaining agencies.
“A total of 18 Government agencies have already been earmarked for this project, but we had decided to take only six agencies for piloting,” he stated.
The Project Director further revealed that the first phase of the TNSW system would become operational by the end of 2027.
However, he was unable to provide specifics regarding the six Government agencies to be incorporated into the pilot phase, stating that an official announcement would be made in due course.
Wanninayake further noted that project initiation had commenced in October.
He added that during the current project planning phase, they were in the process of identifying a suitable vendor for the development of the TNSW system.
The 2018 Budget announced an allocation of Rs. 500 million to introduce an e-Local Government application system, automated construction permit issuing mechanism, integrated e-Land Registry (eLR), and 45 digitised land registries, as well as to establish a TNSW connecting 31 regulatory agencies with the Customs Department.
In late 2019, it was announced that the Government had committed itself to establishing a TNSW to facilitate trade and boost exports by 2030.
This ‘definitive date’ of 31 December 2030, which was confirmed by the Government to the World Trade Organization, was eight years later than the ‘indicative date’ of 31 December 2022 initially provided by the Government.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s commitment to transform the country into a digital economy is evident by the ongoing aggressive digitization project that covers all sectors. As the country continues to record a steady growth with a target of becoming a hub in the South Asian region, the need for improving the ease of doing business environment in the country and a digital economy and being on par with the fast-evolving global digital industry have become paramount. These developments have resulted in an expansion of business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s digital industry as well as related sectors. Some of the key business/investment opportunities could be witnessed in the ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors. The growth as well as profits recorded by businesses already operating in the digital industry and the interest shown by foreign businesses/investors in entering the local industry are clear indications of the increasing business potential in Sri Lanka’s digital industry and related sectors. Given the growth and expansion of many local businesses in the digital industry, foreign businesses/investors while exploring the expanding opportunities in the industry could also look at expanding operations through partnerships or joint ventures with local businesses.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260102/Z_1 |