“These tariff may be modified upward or downward depending on our relationship with your country.”
This note, written at the end of Trump’s letter to President Anura, contains a message to Sri Lanka. That is, if Sri Lanka does anything that damages its relations with the United States, Sri Lanka will have to suffer the consequences.
Meanwhile, the media reports that pressure was exerted to limit Sri Lanka’s trade with China to reduce the tariffs imposed on Sri Lanka. It is also reported that after Trump announced the tariffs on Sri Lanka, the Chinese Foreign Minister met with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath in Malaysia and discussed strengthening trade relations with Sri Lanka.
While Trump imposed tariffs on Sri Lanka, he imposed a tariff rate similar to Sri Lanka on three other countries. Those countries are Algeria, Iraq, and Libya. Trump announced that all of these countries will be taxed at 30%. Except for Algeria, there is a common similarity between Iraq, Libya, and Sri Lanka.
The former leaders of all three countries were leaders who were overthrown through coups and struggles. The United States directly intervened to remove Saddam Hussein in Iraq and Gaddafi in Libya. There is an accusation that the United States indirectly intervened to remove Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Rajapaksa family from power in Sri Lanka.
In Iraq and Libya, pro-American leaders came to power after the anti-American leaders were ousted. In Sri Lanka, Ranil, who succeeded Gota, and the current President Anura, deal closely with the United States.
Anura stated during the last LG-election that US and Sri Lanka would issue a joint statement on tariffs to Sri Lanka. His statement indicated that he expected a big concession from the US and that they would give his government high recognition.
The only contact Anura had with the US was the Sri Lankan ambassador Julie Chung. She did a great service to develop relations between Anura and the US. She also publicly issued statements in support of the ‘aragalaya’ against Gota and the Rajapaksa family. It is an accusation made by Gota supporters that Gota was destroyed by following her advice. Julie and Anura became closer during this ‘aragalaya’.
Prime Minister Harini also did a lot of work for that. Anura must have trusted Julie regarding tariffs. Other than trusting Julie, Anura could have established direct links with white house. Historically Sri Lankan had relationship with white house. He was the prominent businessmen late Harry Jayawardene.
By Upul Joseph Fernando
