All-party meeting brainstorms way out of high US tariffs

President Anura Kumara Disanayake briefs party leaders on findings of special committee appointed to study implications of new US tariff regime ■Party leaders discuss findings of a special committee and agree on urgent diplomatic engagement with the US ■MPs call for trade diversification and bilateral deals based on HS codes to protect key exports ■Proposals from meeting will be reviewed by Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministries for follow-up action ■SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva says dialogue with President Disanayake as "successful"; insists ECTA India is urgent

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PRESIDENT Anura Kumara Disanayake yesterday led a productive all-party meeting to tackle rising concerns over the high reciprocal tariffs announced by the US and possible repercussions on Sri Lanka's economy.

The meeting was held in response to a request from several Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) who called for a direct discussion with the President on formulating a national response to the issue. A statement by the President's Media Division noted that President Disanayake began the session by briefing the party leaders on the findings of a special committee appointed to study the implications of the US tariff regime.

The committee had been tasked with analysing emerging economic risks under the new trade conditions and offering policy recommendations to mitigate the damage.