Sri Lanka, US officials discuss expanding trade and investment cooperation

Friday, 6 February 2026 04:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe

Senior officials from the US Embassy in Sri Lanka held discussions with the Export Development Board (EDB) to explore avenues for expanding bilateral trade relations and investment opportunities between the two countries.

The meeting was attended by US Embassy in Sri Lanka Economic and Commercial Officer Daniel Jackson, accompanied by Commercial and Economic Assistant Thiloma Abayanayaka. They met with EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe and senior EDB officials, including Acting Additional Director General (Development) Kumudinie Mudalige, Export Agriculture Director Janak Badugama, Trade Facilitation and Trade Information Director Dr. S.U. Rathnasekera, along with other officials.

During the discussions, both sides examined potential investment flows from Sri Lanka to the United States and from the US to Sri Lanka, highlighting opportunities for closer private sector engagement. Jackson extended an invitation to Sri Lankan exporters to participate in the ‘SelectUSA 2026 Investment Summit’ in Washington, describing it as a premier platform that connects international investors with US economic development organisations.

In turn, Chairman Wijesinghe invited US buyers, investors and media representatives to take part in Sri Lanka Expo 2026, which is expected to showcase the country’s diverse export portfolio and investment potential to an international audience.

A key focus of the meeting was tariff exemptions and the identification of pathways to create more favourable market access conditions for Sri Lankan exporters entering the US market. Both parties expressed a commitment to working collaboratively toward mutually beneficial trade arrangements.

The US remains Sri Lanka’s largest export destination. In 2025, Sri Lanka’s exports to the US amounted to $ 2,999.15 million, while imports from the US stood at $ 732.22 million. Sri Lanka’s exports to the US recorded a growth of 3.07% in 2025 compared to 2024.

Major export products to the US market include apparel, rubber-based products, coconut kernel products, spices and concentrates, and processed foods.

The meeting reaffirmed the strength of the Sri Lanka–US economic partnership and underscored the shared commitment of both countries to further deepen trade and investment ties in the years ahead.