"We will give an opportunity to importers to present documents electronically but will not making it mandatory with manual processing also being done," he said.

The move is another step in a long-delayed process in the island towards electronic commerce, meant to replace time-consuming manual procedures.

Jayatilleke said one of the reasons for the delay was the multitude of agencies that need to come on line with many not yet prepared to do so.

"We can't work alone," he told a news conference held to announce the setting up of an air cargo clearance facility by global logistics company DHL Express at Sri Lanka's sole international airport.

"There are so many agencies including security, standards, food, health, environment - over 60-odd organizations are involved," Jayatilleke said.

"They all must come on one platform. We're now working towards it."

"One cannot grumble too much - even people who have access are not taking much interest because they have to make certain updates and investments."

Jayatilleke said 80 percent of document processing was still done manually.