Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has blamed the government’s “weak and ego-driven” trade negotiation strategy for the imposition of a 30% U.S. tariff on Sri Lankan exports, warning of severe consequences for the country’s export sector.
“A 30% U.S. tariff on Sri Lankan exports is the price we pay for poor negotiation,” Premadasa said in a statement on Wednesday. “Our ego kept us from seeking every ally, every expert hand, and now nearly US$3 billion in exports hangs in the balance.”
He criticized the government’s over-reliance on “textbook experts” in navigating what he called a complex real-world diplomatic and economic challenge.
The remarks follow growing unease within the country’s business community after the United States finalized a 30% tariff on Sri Lankan imports, down from a previously proposed 44% but still significantly above the 20% rate Colombo had lobbied for. Exporters have warned that the elevated tariff could erode Sri Lanka’s competitiveness and threaten tens of thousands of jobs, particularly in the garment and manufacturing sectors.
Trade analysts and industry groups have echoed Premadasa’s concerns, urging the government to intensify efforts to renegotiate or mitigate the impact through targeted diplomatic engagement.
