The discussions, held on April 22, came in response to global concern over the new tariffs enacted by the US President, which have sparked protests from several countries and raised the possibility of reciprocal tariff measures. Sri Lanka, affected by the new trade policies, acted swiftly to initiate dialogue.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake directly addressed the matter by sending a formal letter to the US President, expressing Sri Lanka’s concerns and requesting bilateral engagement. This diplomatic move paved the way for official discussions between the two nations.
A Sri Lankan delegation, including Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, traveled to the United States for the talks. According to Dr. Fernando, the meetings were productive and concluded with mutual understanding.
Importantly, a 90-day grace period has been granted before the implementation of the new tariffs. During this time, Sri Lanka is hopeful for a favorable resolution that could potentially mitigate the impact of the policy on its economy.
