Former Deputy Leader of the United National Party, MP Ravi Karunanayake, urged the government to remove obstacles faced by local industries in exports and to minimize the negative impact of US-imposed tariffs on Sri Lankan products.
Speaking to the media about the tariffs, MP Karunanayake emphasized that simply reducing tariff rates is not a complete solution. He stressed that the government must pursue broader strategies in international trade, including negotiating mutually beneficial trade deals with the United States.
He highlighted the importance of creating greater international demand for Sri Lankan products, noting that the overall benefits of increasing exports would outweigh the adverse effects of tariffs on local industries.
MP Karunanayake also pointed to Sri Lanka’s strategic advantages—such as its geographical location, universities, hospitals, market access, liquefied natural gas resources, and tourism sector—as assets that should be leveraged. He urged the government to be prepared to supply these sectors efficiently when opportunities arise and stressed the critical need for diversifying market access.
Addressing additional challenges, the MP criticized government officials lacking practical knowledge, describing them as a barrier to Sri Lanka’s efforts to expand into international markets.
