Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism – Vijitha Herath has held a discussion with the US ambassador in Sri Lanka – Julie Chung on re-balancing trade ties between the two countries.

The discussion was held at the Ministry premises today (April 07).

Taking to X, the ambassador has said, Had a productive discussion with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath @HMVijithaHerath on rebalancing Sri Lanka’s trading relationship with the U.S. I emphasized the importance of reciprocal treatment for U.S. exports. A fair, balanced trade relationship supports economic growth, creates jobs, and strengthens industries in both our countries.”

Had a productive discussion with Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath @HMVijithaHerath on rebalancing Sri Lanka’s trading relationship with the U.S. I emphasized the importance of reciprocal treatment for U.S. exports. A fair, balanced trade relationship supports economic growth,… pic.twitter.com/D4oI09uKB9

— Ambassador Julie Chung (@USAmbSL) April 7, 2025

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) awarded annual contracts to 45 First-Class cricketers for the 2025 Domestic Cricket

Season as part of its ongoing program to strengthen the country’s talent pool.This initiative, spearheaded by the Executive Committee of Sri Lanka Cricket, under the leadership of Honorary

President Mr. Shammi Silva, aims to support and develop promising first-class players.

The contracted players have been categorized into four tiers—A, B, C, and D.

A meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and representatives of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was held this morning (April 07) at the Presidential Secretariat.

The discussions centred on the preliminary review associated with the fourth tranche of Sri Lanka’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement with the IMF.

Key focus areas included Sri Lanka’s progress thus far under the IMF-supported programme and the next steps required to achieve the country’s future economic targets.

Both parties also exchanged views on emerging economic challenges, particularly in light of new trade tariffs proposed by the United States and their potential implications for Sri Lanka.

The IMF delegation was led by Mr. Sanjaya Panth, Deputy Director for the Asia and Pacific Department and included Mr. Peter Breuer and Mr. Evan Papageorgiou, Senior Mission Chiefs.

Representing the Government of Sri Lanka were Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Finance & Planning, Harshana Suriyapperuma, Governor of the Central Bank Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Senior Economic Advisor to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa and Secretary to the Ministry of Finance Mahinda Siriwardena.

(President’s Media Division)