Sri Lanka remains the only country in the Asia region currently engaged in discussions with the United States to revise tariffs introduced by former U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year, according to Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando.
Speaking during the Parliamentary debate held today (30), where Members of Parliament deliberated on the government’s fiscal strategy statement, Prof. Fernando expressed optimism that Sri Lanka could secure a more favorable arrangement concerning the 44% tariff imposed by the U.S. earlier this year.
He revealed that a Sri Lankan delegation visited Washington, D.C. last month for discussions focused on tariff-related matters, following an official invitation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
Currently, the reciprocal tariffs introduced by President Trump have been temporarily suspended for a 90-day period.
Addressing Parliament, Deputy Minister Fernando emphasized that the government is committed to utilizing all available avenues to reduce these tariffs, which significantly impact various local industries.
While highlighting the government’s active efforts to protect Sri Lankan businesses, the Deputy Minister criticized the opposition for attempting to undermine the administration’s work instead of supporting initiatives aimed at strengthening the national economy.
