President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says things are finally looking up for Sri Lanka’s export sector, as recent high-level discussions with the United States on revising trade tariffs have ended on a promising note. Speaking at a National People’s Power (NPP) rally in Ratnapura, the President told supporters that a joint statement from both countries is expected in the coming days—one that could signal a major win for Sri Lankan exporters.
These talks are especially significant for industries like textiles and apparel, which have been under pressure due to shifting trade policies in the US. According to the President, Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister of Finance and a key delegation met with American counterparts earlier this week, and early reports from that meeting have been optimistic. “The talks were highly productive,” Dissanayake said. “We’re expecting a joint statement soon that reflects the progress we’ve made.”
While trade was front and center, the President also used his platform to spotlight another crucial piece of Sri Lanka’s economic puzzle—tourism. With 2025 projected to bring the highest number of tourist arrivals the country has ever seen, Dissanayake emphasized the need to diversify and upgrade the nation’s attractions. “Right now, the number of tourist destinations we offer is limited,” he pointed out. “We need to invest in developing places like Yapahuwa, Anuradhapura, Jaffna, and Trincomalee to truly unlock our potential.”
He also stressed the urgency of boosting export revenue, especially with looming challenges abroad. While the path ahead may be uncertain, Dissanayake’s message to the public was clear: Sri Lanka is working hard, both at home and internationally, to secure a stronger economic future.
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