Christmas decorations lead imports in Sri Lanka after easing of restrictions, says Customs

Senior Director and spokesperson of Sri Lanka Customs, Seevali Arukgoda, informed reporters that since the relaxation of import restrictions in October this year, Christmas decorations and related goods had dominated the list of imports.

Arukgoda highlighted that substantial consignments of Christmas decorations and festive items had been arriving in recent weeks, addressing the country’s seasonal demands.

The spokesperson noted the significance of this trend, considering that since early October, Sri Lanka had eased all import restrictions except for private motorcars. Festive decorations had been among the restricted items for a two-year period.

Most of these festive goods arrive in sizeable 40-foot and 20-foot containers from China, indicating active involvement from numerous traders in this business sector this year.

Arukgoda added that alongside decorations, specialty food items and floor and wall tiles are currently among the top imports on record.