AmCham Sri Lanka represents member interests at Washington Doorknock 2026, strengthening US–Sri Lanka trade dialogue

AmCham SL President, Sandun Hapugoda and Board Director, Saneth Gamage

The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham Sri Lanka) successfully represented the interests of its members at the AmChams of Asia Pacific (AAP) Washington Doorknock 2026, held in Washington, D.C. from 21–24 June 2026, with AmCham SL President, Sandun Hapugoda and Board Director, Saneth Gamage participating on behalf of the Chamber. 

The high-level advocacy mission brought together senior business leaders from American Chambers of Commerce across the Asia-Pacific region to engage directly with US policymakers, Members of Congress, senior Administration officials, the US Chamber of Commerce, and leading policy institutions on issues shaping the future of trade, investment and economic cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.

The Washington Doorknock is regarded as the flagship advocacy initiative of the AmChams of Asia Pacific network, providing member chambers with a unique platform to ensure that the voice of business is heard at the highest levels of the U.S. Government and its stakeholders. This year’s program took place at a pivotal moment as the United States continues to reshape its trade, investment, energy and geopolitical policies under the evolving global economic landscape.

Representing Sri Lanka’s private sector, Sandun Hapugoda and Saneth Gamage carried forward the collective concerns and suggestions of AmCham Sri Lanka’s membership, ensuring that Sri Lankan businesses were represented in discussions affecting bilateral trade relations between Sri Lanka and the United States.

In preparation for the mission, AmCham Sri Lanka utilised the information gathered over the past six months via extensive member consultation process through industry roundtables, one-on-one member engagements and policy discussions with member companies across multiple sectors. These consultations enabled the Chamber to gather first-hand insights into the practical challenges faced by companies operating within the US–Sri Lanka trade corridor, including

tariff uncertainty, non-tariff barriers, market access, investment confidence, regulatory predictability and opportunities for deeper commercial engagement.

The program included meetings with senior officials from the Office of the Vice President, the White House National Security Council, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the US Department of Commerce, the US Department of Energy, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Members of Congress and congressional staff, the US Chamber of Commerce, and leading Washington-based policy institutes.

A key priority for the Sri Lankan delegation was to discuss concerns of AmCham members regarding the ongoing discussions surrounding the US–Sri Lanka bilateral trade agreement and the implications of the Section 301 investigation affecting Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector.

During engagements with US officials, the AmCham Sri Lanka delegation raised the importance of providing greater certainty for Sri Lankan exporters, particularly the apparel industry, while emphasising the need for the early conclusion of the bilateral agreement between the two countries. The delegation also sought clarity on the US Government’s priorities concerning tariffs and the expected role of the Government of Sri Lanka in advancing negotiations. Discussions indicated that negotiations were progressing positively.

Beyond trade policy, the delegation actively contributed to discussions on investment promotion, energy security, supply chain resilience, critical minerals, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and regional economic cooperation. The meetings provided valuable insights into evolving US policy priorities while enabling Sri Lanka’s business community to better understand future developments likely to influence international trade and investment.

The delegation also advocated for greater US investment into Sri Lanka and highlighted opportunities for collaboration through development finance mechanisms. Discussions with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation explored potential support for private-sector investments in infrastructure, energy, supply chains, financial services and digital connectivity, with recognition of the important facilitative role that AmCham Sri Lanka can

continue to play in connecting US investors with credible opportunities in Sri Lanka.

Another significant outcome of the visit was the opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka as a trusted and strategic partner within the Indo-Pacific. Through direct dialogue with policymakers and business leaders, the delegation reinforced Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening its investment climate, improving ease of doing business, supporting rule-of-law reforms and enhancing bilateral commercial cooperation.

The mission also strengthened relationships with the broader AmChams of Asia Pacific network, allowing Sri Lanka to exchange experiences with fellow American Chambers representing more than 15 Asia-Pacific economies. The delegation gained valuable intelligence on emerging US policy directions, including trade negotiations, investment trends, energy policy, digital technologies and geopolitical developments that will help inform AmCham Sri Lanka’s future advocacy and engagement with both the Government of Sri Lanka and its members.

AmCham Sri Lanka remains committed to ensuring that the interests of its members continue to be represented through constructive dialogue with both the Government of Sri Lanka and the United States Government. The Chamber will continue to engage closely with its membership through industry consultations, policy roundtables and direct stakeholder engagement to ensure that Sri Lanka’s private sector remains well represented in shaping the future of bilateral trade and investment relations.