SL calls for stronger trade ties with US

• Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara highlights 70-year diplomatic relationship rooted in shared democratic values and people-to-people ties at 249th US Independence Day reception in Colombo
• Appreciates US for support during SL’s economic crisis, including IMF negotiations and debt restructuring efforts 
• Outlines Sri Lanka’s transition to political and economic stability after elections, rebuilding public trust
• Signals intent to work with US on reducing trade deficit and pursuing fair, mutually beneficial trade agreements
• Highlights US investor confidence, with 60,000 American tourist arrivals last year and similar numbers in 2025
• Welcomes ongoing Indo-Pacific defence cooperation and military capacity-building opportunities, education, culture and tourism
• Commends Ambassador Julie Chung’s efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation
• Expresses hope for expanded partnership in new areas in the future

Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara last week called for renewed efforts to deepen bilateral trade cooperation between Sri Lanka and the US, whilst expressing gratitude for Washington’s consistent support for the country’s economic recovery.

Speaking at the 249th US Independence Day reception hosted by the US Embassy in Colombo under the patronage of US Ambassador Julie Chung, he conveyed formal greetings from President Anura Kumara Disanayake and the people of Sri Lanka to US President Donald Trump and the American people. 

“Sri Lanka and the US enjoy a longstanding relationship rooted in shared democratic values, open economic orientation, and strong people-to-people ties. Formal diplomatic ties established seven decades ago have extended to multifaceted, vibrant engagement between our countries,” he added. 

The Minister acknowledged the strongest support extended by the US during Sri Lanka’s economic crisis.

“We appreciate the crucial assistance extended by the US in helping Sri Lanka to obtain the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and conclude discussions with bilateral partners on debt restructuring,” he said. 

In spite of the numerous challenges that Sri Lanka faced amidst the pandemic and the economic downturn, the Minister said the people of Sri Lanka have remained resilient. Following the elections and with strong democratic institutions, Sri Lanka has been able to make a much-needed transition towards both political and economic stability, reinforcing the public’s trust in its governance and its reform efforts.

Nanayakkara described the US as Sri Lanka’s largest single export market, with total merchandise exports exceeding $ 3 billion in recent years. 

“In this context, we continue to engage with the US at a close level, with positive commitment to address the trade deficit between the two countries, and to work on lowering the various factors affecting bilateral trade and reach an agreement on equitable and mutually beneficial trade relations,” he added.

The Minister also highlighted the growing US investor confidence, noting positive signals in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry with American tourist arrivals reaching 60,000 last year and showing a similar trend in 2025, placing the US among Sri Lanka’s top 10 tourism markets.

He welcomed the continued cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, including defence partnerships and opportunities for training and capacity-building for Sri Lankan military officers throughout the year.

Reiterating the strong people-to-people ties between Sri Lanka and the US, he said it remains the solid foundation for the relationship between the two countries. “Frequent educational exchanges, cultural programs, and tourism further deepen our understanding and promote goodwill among our people,” he added.

The Minister extended appreciation to US Ambassador Chung for her personal commitment and efforts to strengthen bilateral cooperation. 

“It is our sincere wish that the close engagement between our two countries will continue to flourish into new areas of cooperation in the years ahead,” Nanayakkara said.