Former MP urges US President to reduce para tariffs on Sri Lankan exports

Colombo, Dec 31 (Daily Mirror) - Former MP and leader of the Nidahas Janatha Sabawa (Freedom People’s Congress), Dullas Alahapperuma, in a letter addressed to US President Donald Trump, has urged him to reduce para tariffs imposed on Sri Lankan exports.

“In light of this shared priority for the well-being of children, I humbly request your consideration to temporarily reduce tariffs on Sri Lankan imports from the current levels to 12% for a period of one year, 2026. This targeted relief would significantly bolster our economic recovery by supporting key export sectors, enabling Sri Lanka to rebuild infrastructure, restore livelihoods and provide essential services directly benefiting our nation's children, who are in desperate need during this critical time. I make this request in my capacity as a main candidate at the 2022 Presidential election and a former Minister of Education. If granted, the annual financial value of such relief would exceed the value of a single tranche of funding provided to Sri Lanka by the International Monetary Fund (IMF),” Alahapperuma said in his letter.

He also stated the following in his letter to President Trump:

“On behalf of the people of Sri Lanka, I extend my deepest gratitude for the generous and timely assistance provided by the United States government in response to the devastating Cyclone Ditwah. The USD 2 million in emergency aid, along with the deployment of military airlift capabilities to deliver essential relief supplies, has been instrumental in supporting our ongoing relief efforts amid this unprecedented natural disaster.

This catastrophic cyclone has affected approximately 10% of our nation's population over two million people with widespread flooding, landslides and destruction across all districts. Tragically, as in every disaster, children have borne the brunt of the suffering. UNICEF indicates that more than half a million children have been severely affected and are facing long-term risks, including the loss of parents, displacement, loss of homes, interrupted education and heightened vulnerability.

I have always admired your profound compassion and love for children, which has been vividly demonstrated through your recent initiative in establishing the Trump Accounts a forward-thinking programme that provides seed funding to help secure the financial futures of young Americans from birth.

As Sri Lanka strives to stand firmly on its feet once more following this immense challenge, such an act of kindness and solidarity from you, Mr. President, would make an extraordinary difference.

This gesture would truly serve as the perfect Christmas and New Year gift for the children of Sri Lanka, offering them hope and a brighter path forward in these trying times.”