Sl Delegation To U.S. For Tariff Talks

COLOMBO (News 1st): high-level Sri Lankan delegation is set to depart for the United States to engage in crucial discussions aimed at securing a reduction in the 30% tariff imposed on Sri Lankan exports. The talks come in the wake of recent policy shifts by the U.S. administration that could significantly impact bilateral trade.

The delegation, which includes prominent government officials and economic experts, is scheduled to leave the island before August 1. The visit is part of a broader diplomatic effort to strengthen trade ties and negotiate more favorable terms for Sri Lankan goods entering the U.S. market.

Among the key members of the delegation are Central Bank Governor Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Vimalendra Raja, Senior Presidential Advisor Duminda Hulangamuwa, and Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States Mahinda Samarasinghe. The team also includes members of a special expert committee appointed to assess the feasibility of securing U.S. tariff relief.

The initiative follows a recent letter from U.S. President Donald Trump to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, confirming a reduction in the reciprocal tariff rate from 44% to 30% on selected Sri Lankan exports. This move is seen as a positive step toward enhancing trade relations between the two nations.

Deputy Finance Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha recently stated that Sri Lanka is actively pursuing a comprehensive trade agreement with the United States, with ongoing negotiations expected to continue during the delegation’s visit.

The revised tariff policy is slated to take effect on August 1