Colombo: Sri Lanka and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing discussions on a reciprocal tariff arrangement aimed at concluding a comprehensive bilateral trade agreement, the President’s Media Division (PMD) announced.
According to a PMD release, both nations conveyed a strong mutual interest in finalizing the trade deal at the earliest possible opportunity.
A Sri Lankan delegation, under directives from President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake, met with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on April 22, 2025, at the USTR headquarters in Washington, D.C.
During the meeting, the delegation formally delivered official government communications addressed to Ambassador Greer.
The Sri Lankan team briefed the U.S. side on the country’s recent economic challenges and outlined measures currently underway to achieve long-term economic stability. They also emphasized Sri Lanka’s readiness to collaborate with the U.S. in reducing the trade imbalance and easing both tariff and non-tariff restrictions.
Ambassador Greer welcomed the proposals presented by Sri Lanka and expressed optimism about the potential to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that would promote fair trade between the two nations.
Subsequently, the Sri Lankan delegation held further discussions with a team from the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office, led by Brendan Lynch, Assistant USTR for South and Central Asia, and Emily Ashby, Director for South Asia. The two parties engaged in more detailed dialogue on Sri Lanka’s formal trade offer.
Both delegations agreed to maintain momentum in the talks with the shared goal of finalizing the bilateral trade agreement in a timely manner.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative plays a central role in shaping and implementing U.S. international trade policy and represents the country in trade negotiations, with the USTR serving as the President’s chief advisor and spokesperson on trade matters.
