Sri Lanka in fresh push to resolve US tariff crisis
The Government is making a fresh push to resolve the crisis with high tariff on exports by the President Donald Trump-led US Government.The President’s Media Division said a Sri Lankan delegation is set to participate in discussions in Washington, D.C., focusing on tariff-related matters, following an invitation extended by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). This is the second in-person meeting aimed at ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral trade relations between the two nations. This initiative builds on several prior virtual interactions held between the USTR and Sri Lankan officials, and underscores a commitment to deepening economic ties. The upcoming talks are anticipated to explore avenues for enhancing trade cooperation and securing favourable outcomes for Sri Lanka, in light of current economic priorities. President Trump has proposed a high tariff of 44%, which is significant as Sri Lanka exports $ 3 billion to the US. Ahead of the visit, a high-level meeting was convened yesterday under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Disanayake to ensure the country’s interests are well represented. The discussion focused on aligning the delegation’s approach with Sri Lanka’s broader economic strategy, ensuring the best possible outcomes from the upcoming discussions.Key participants at the meeting included Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Ministry Secretary K.A. Vimalenthirarajah, Senior Economic Adviser to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa, Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe; Finance, Planning and Economic Development Ministry Secretary K.M.M. Siriwardana, Nirmal Vigneshwaran representing the Attorney General’s Department, and Dharshana Perera from the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
