SL adopts measured stance in trade talks with US

Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma says SL adopts strategic, non-committal stance avoiding fixed tariff proposals

- BY CHARUMINI DE SILVA

IN a bold move to protect its export strongholds without trying itself to fixed figures, Sri Lanka has drawn a clear line with no specific tariff proposals, just a strategic pitch to keep its edge in US trade.

Finance and Planning Deputy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma yesterday speaking on the outcome of recent high-level meetings with the United States Trade Representative (USTR) in Washington, noted that the country stepped up its efforts emphasising transparency, competitive parity and long-term collaboration.

He described the Government's approach as both timely and strategic, ensuring Sri Lanka's position amid broader US tariff recalibrations affecting multiple countries.

"It is very important to note the approach that the Government has taken and the counterparts appreciated, particularly from the USTR officials. It was a good opportunity for us to get a time slot to meet early, while many other countries are trying to reach out to the US for these discussions," Dr. Suriyapperuma said.

Crucially, he said Sri Lanka was not being singled out but was navigating the same challenges as many other countries amid the global reassessment of tariff frameworks by the US, intended to address its trade deficit and optimise international trade relationships.

"The objective is to maintain the competitive position that Sri Lanka is enjoying as a country, depending on how the US finalises with other countries. Then Sri Lanka needs to ensure that we will be in a competitive position continuously with the same market access to the US, particularly for apparel and rubber," he stressed, noting that the Government is eager to see to what extent Sri Lanka is able to close this engagement within the 90-day period.