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Namal calls for urgent E-Commerce policy reform

Friday, 04 July 2025 - 5:55 pm

Colombo, July 4 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has called on the gove ment to urgently finalise a progressive national e-commerce policy, wa ing that delays could hold back the country’s digital economy and limit opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Rajapaksa stressed the importance of actively involving the private sector, digital platforms, and logistics providers in shaping a future-ready framework that aligns with both inte ational standards and local needs.

“Finalising a progressive e-commerce policy is no longer something Sri Lanka can postpone,” Rajapaksa stated. “The gove ment must actively engage with the private sector, digital platforms, and logistics providers to shape a framework that reflects global realities and local ambitions.”

He emphasised that the proposed policy should address longstanding issues such as simplifying HS codes for business-to-consumer (B2C) transactions and streamlining cross-border fulfilment processes. According to Rajapaksa, outdated regulations are burdening consumers and hindering the growth of local startups, SMEs, and digital creators.

“This is not just about trade. It is about unlocking opportunity for local startups, SMEs, and digital creators who are building the new economy from the ground up,” he noted.

Highlighting the steady rise in digital exports and online orders from Sri Lanka, Rajapaksa cautioned that failure to act swiftly could leave the country trailing behind in an increasingly competitive global market.

“A mode e-commerce policy is not a luxury. It is a necessity for job creation, innovation, and global competitiveness,” he added.