Sri Lanka hopeful of positive outcome amid US tariff deadline looms: Treasury Secy.

WITH just a couple of days remaining ahead of the crucial 9 July deadline to negotiate reciprocal tariffs adjustments, Sri Lanka is pinning its hopes on a posi- tive breakthrough which would not hamper its economic recovery efforts.

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Addressing a media briefing yesterday, Treasury Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma expressed hope that Sri Lanka could expect a favourable stance from the US on the looming reciprocal tariffs.

"We had several rounds of discussions with the US Trade Representative (USTR). They've indicated Sri Lanka is in a relatively better position, but at the end of the day, the decision will factor in the broader global trade scenario," he told journalists.

His comments come in the wake of US President Donald Trump's announcement on Saturday that he had signed letters to 12 countries detailing "take it or leave it" tariff offers, which are scheduled to be sent out on Monday (today).

"Ultimately, however, the decision will depend not just on Sri Lanka, but on the broader global trade environment," he noted.