President holds virtual discussion with US Trade Representative Ambassador

A virtual discussion was held this evening (25) between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer aimed at reducing the trade tariffs proposed to be imposed by the United States on exports from Sri Lanka.

The primary focus of the meeting is to reduce tariffs and promote trade and investment relations between the two countries.

Among those present at the virtual meeting were the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and officials from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).

Earlier in the day an An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission team, led by Evan Papageorgiou, IMF Mission Chief for Sri Lanka, concluded its visit to Colombo from July 21 to 25, 2025. 

At the conclusion of the visit Papageorgiou in a statement noted that :

“The Sri Lankan authorities’ economic reform program is yielding commendable outcomes. Real GDP grew by 4.8 percent y/y in 2025Q1, outperforming expectations. Headline inflation was at -1.1 percent y/y in 2025Q2 and is gradually returning to target. Gross international reserves stood at US$6.0 billion at end-June 2025, while tax revenue collection continued improving, supported by strong performance in VAT and taxes on imported motor vehicles.

While the economic outlook is positive, downside risks have increased on the back of potentially high tariffs on Sri Lanka’s exports, persistent trade policy uncertainty, and heightened geopolitical tensions. This underscores the critical importance of maintaining the reform momentum and the efforts to rebuild fiscal space and external buffers. These reforms will enhance Sri Lanka’s resilience to shocks and safeguard the hard-won economic progress to date. Should such shocks materialize, they will be addressed within the contours of the EFF program."