COLOMBO, May 1 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka Customs launched three new information and communication technology systems on Thursday to improve efficiency, transparency and modernization within the department, officials has announced.

The three systems are Cargo Flow, the Sri Lanka Customs Remittances Portal and the e-Vessel Service Charges system, according to the department.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando said the government remains committed to advancing digitization across public services.

He said that the new system will allow all importers to access services through a single integrated platform, replacing the existing environment where container releases could be subject to individual discretion.

Director General of Customs Seevali Arukgoda said the new systems form part of wider efforts to digitize customs operations and streamline services for traders, shipping agents and other stakeholders.

The launch follows an earlier move to release containers from the Port of Colombo to three external container inspection yards through an online system from April 3.

Digitization is a key policy pillar of the Sri Lankan government aimed at increasing the transparency and efficiency of the public sector. ■