Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation has revived plans to introduce an Air Cargo Community System (ACCS), with the aim of making the country’s air cargo operations faster, more efficient and transparent.
The initiative seeks to digitally connect key stakeholders involved in the air cargo process, helping reduce delays, minimise paperwork and improve the exchange of information between government agencies and industry stakeholders.
Sri Lanka previously attempted to introduce an ACCS in 2023, but the project did not move forward due to a lack of coordination and consensus among the relevant stakeholders. The initiative has now been reactivated through a broader multi-stakeholder approach.
A dedicated committee has been established with representatives from Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka), Sri Lanka Customs, the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, SriLankan Airlines, the Ministry of Digital Economy, the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the Import and Export Control Department, the National Plant Quarantine Service, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce and the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka.
The committee is currently carrying out a feasibility study covering the technical, financial and operational aspects of implementing the ACCS in Sri Lanka.
A progress review meeting was held on 21 August 2026 under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodituwakku. Ministry Secretary W.W.S. Mangala, together with representatives from the participating institutions, attended the meeting.
The proposed digital platform is expected to improve coordination among agencies involved in cargo clearance, facilitate faster information sharing and provide importers and exporters with a more efficient and transparent air cargo process.
According to the Ministry, the immediate focus is on identifying bottlenecks within the existing air cargo process and developing practical digital solutions through closer cooperation among all stakeholders.
The revival of the ACCS initiative comes as Sri Lanka looks to strengthen the efficiency and competitiveness of its air cargo sector and further digitalise trade-related processes.
