A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.

Sri Lankan delegation on the instructions of President Anura Kumara Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka.

The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are been taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery.  Sri Lankan delegation highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.  

Ambassador Greer was appreciative of the proposals that Sri Lanka has made in order to commence negotiations and expressed the hope that an agreement can be reached soon between two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.  

Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the offer made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US.  The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries.  Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.

(President’s Media Division)

The fourth review of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) supported-program for Sri Lanka concludes today (April 25).

According to Deputy Minister of Finance, Dr. Anil Jayanta Fernando, discussions related to this review recently began between representatives of the IMF and Sri Lanka.

The discussions are being held in Washington, D.C., with participation from Deputy Minister of Finance Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, the Governor of the Central Bank, and other officials.

Dr. Fernando stated that with the conclusion of the fourth review, the IMF staff-level agreement for the disbursement of the fifth tranche will be announced.

The Ministry of Transport and Highways has given Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) depot managers until the end of next month to provide profitable and quality services.

Deputy Minister Dr. Prasanna Gunasena stated that decisions will be made regarding individuals who fail to meet this requirement.

Currently, there are 107 operational SLTB depots, with only around 60 of them being profitable.

Since the new government took office, approximately 20 new individuals have been appointed to SLTB depot managerial positions.

Deputy Minister Dr. Prasanna Gunasena noted that the remaining managers were appointed during previous administrations.

He emphasized that the current government has given these managers time to align with the new policies for managing SLTB depots.

(News1st)

(This story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)