Former Deputy Leader of the United National Party (UNP) and Member of Parliament Ravi Karunanayake says that Sri Lanka must take a direct and strategic approach in addressing tariff issues arising from U.S. trade policies.
Speaking in an interview with ceylonwire.lk, Karunanayake noted that while global trade trends are moving toward greater openness and globalization, former U.S. President Donald Trump adopted an increasingly protectionist and anti-globalization stance.
He emphasized that the focus should not be solely on general global tariff percentages but rather on the specific tax rates imposed on individual countries like Sri Lanka.
“What needs to be done now is to address the unfavorable conditions Sri Lanka is facing in the import of American goods,” he said.
Karunanayake urged the Sri Lankan delegation currently engaged in trade negotiations with the United States to carefully consider this issue. He also emphasized the importance of broadening Sri Lanka’s trade relationships by strengthening ties with key partners such as India, Japan, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
