Former Deputy Leader of the United National Party and Member of Parliament, Ravi Karunanayake, has urged the government to urgently address the economic challenges posed by the new import taxes imposed on Sri Lanka by the Trump administration in the United States.
Speaking to the media, Karunanayake warned that the country’s garment and rubber manufacturing industries will be severely impacted by these tariffs. He noted that approximately 1.2 million individuals who are directly and indirectly employed in these sectors stand to be affected.
“The government must accelerate discussions with the relevant stakeholders and explore ways to reduce the impact of these US taxes, either through negotiations or trade agreements,” the MP said. “This is the only way Sri Lanka can move forward under the current circumstances.”
Karunanayake also stated that he had previously warned the government about the potential consequences of such US trade measures. “Despite ongoing talks, the government’s response has been sluggish, and that delay is now proving costly,” he added.
