Monday Nov 17, 2025
Monday Nov 17, 2025
Wednesday, 30 April 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Cabinet Spokesman and
Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa
By Charumini de Silva
Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa yesterday confirmed that trade discussions between Sri Lanka and the US remain ongoing as both sides seek a resolution to the 44% steep tariffs imposed under the administration of US President Donald Trump. Addressing the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, he said that the Sri Lankan delegation is still in Washington, DC, actively engaged in dialogue with US
officials. “The discussions have not concluded. They are still continuing. An official joint statement will be issued once both parties reach an agreement,” he noted, responding to questions about the absence of a joint declaration thus far.
Dr. Jayatissa said it was difficult to give a timeline on the conclusion of the negotiations yet, as it was still continuing.
Later, the Government Information Department announced that there will be a special media briefing held today at 9 a.m. where Economic Development Deputy Minister Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando and Finance Plan Implementation Deputy Minister Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma will share the latest details on the ongoing Sri Lanka-US trade discussions.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is working to counter the 44% reciprocal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration from 9 April 2025—one of the highest rates faced by any country under the revised US trade policy. The US move came in response to what it deemed to be an 88% barrier on American goods entering the Sri Lankan market.
In a statement issued last week, the Government detailed a key meeting held on 22 April between its delegation and US Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer (https://www.ft.lk/front-page/Sri-Lanka-and-US-hold-high-level-talks-in-Washington-over-reciprocal-tariffs/44-775876).
Dr. Jayatissa reiterated that any official joint communication will follow only upon the successful conclusion of negotiations.
