Opposition MPs who participated in the All-Party Conference convened by the government today expressed support for President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s efforts to address the reciprocal tariffs imposed on Sri Lanka by the United States.
Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Harsha de Silva described the discussions with the government and other opposition members as productive. Speaking to the media, he said there was consensus on responding to the challenges of the US tariffs. “The President respected our views and we had a very productive discussion,” he said.
Posting on X, de Silva said there was a “common agreement that while we do everything to strengthen trade with [the] world [the] immediate issue is to arrive at a ‘HS Code based bilateral trade deal’ with the US.” He also underscored the urgency of resuming talks on the Economic and Technology Co-operation Agreement (ETCA) with India.
Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam said his party raised concerns over the potential loss of the European Union’s GSP Plus trade concession, which could affect Sri Lanka’s apparel sector. He also highlighted the need to address both import and export tariffs, particularly the CESS, which he claimed benefits a select group of businessmen.
However, Rasamanickam noted that ITAK did not agree with the contents of a letter presented to the President by MP Dilith Jayaweera’s party.
SJB MP S. M. Marikkar said there were no significant differences between the government’s proposals and those of the opposition. “It appears that we are in agreement on certain things like investments, markets, and free trade agreements,” he said.
The All-Party Conference, chaired by President Dissanayake, was held at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss the US-imposed tariffs on Sri Lankan exports.
Previously, Leader of the House, Minister Bimal Rathnayake, revealed the meeting was organized following a request by 12 opposition party leaders to meet with the President to address the issue.
The administration of US President Donald Trump recently imposed a 44% reciprocal tariff on Sri Lankan goods, effective April 9, 2025, as part of Trump’s revised trade policy.
On Wednesday night, Trump announced a 90-day pause on the new tariffs for affected countries but escalated trade tensions with China by imposing a 125% levy on Chinese exports to the US. (Newswire)