The All Party Conference, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to discuss the impact of recent U.S. tariffs on Sri Lanka, concluded with consensus on the government's approach, multiple party representatives confirmed.

The meeting, held at the Presidential Secretariat, was convened at the request of several opposition MPs concerned about the economic implications of the new reciprocal tariff system introduced by the United States.

President Dissanayake briefed party leaders on the findings of a Committee appointed to conduct an in-depth study on the potential issues and recommendations related to the tariffs. The discussion covered the Committee’s main concerns, opposition suggestions, and proposals for dialogue with the U.S., along with strategies for export market diversification.

MP Shanakiyan Rasamanickam emphasized the risks to GSP+ benefits due to clashes with the PTE, as noted by the EU Ambassador, calling it a major threat to the apparel industry. He also highlighted the trade deficit caused by CESS implementation with vested interests by previous governments as a problem needing urgent attention.

MP S.M. Marikkar noted that there was broad agreement on policy direction among parties, adding that the President welcomed input from all participants. He said market expansion emerged as a government priority during the discussions.

“We agreed on the approach we need to take, especially that we need to build bridges, not walls, where trade is concerned,” said MP Dr. Harsha de Silva. He also revealed that President Dissanayake had written to President Trump to address the trade deficit, with a more technical follow-up from the Secretary of the Treasury. “This is not a government problem, it’s a country problem,” he said.

The meeting was attended by a wide representation of political parties, including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa; MPs Harsha de Silva, S. Rasamanickam, Ravi Karunanayake, D.V. Chanaka, Mano Ganesan, Palani Digambaram, M.L.A.M. Hizbullah, Rishad Bathiudeen, Dilith Jayaweera, Jeevan Thondaman, Dayasiri Jayasekara, A. Archuna, Gayantha Karunathilaka, Kavinda Jayawardena, S.M. Marikkar, and Kader Masthan.

The proposals and recommendations from the meeting will be compiled and advanced for further deliberation.