Sajith requests tariff relief in talks with U.S. democracy partnership

28 August 2025 02:30 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 3 Bookmark

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Colombo, August 28 (Daily Mirror) - Opposition Leader Premadasa today (27) met with a delegation from the United States House Democracy Partnership (HDP) at Parliament, with U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung also present.

During the discussions, Premadasa emphasized the vital role of the United States in Sri Lanka’s economy, noting that nearly 24 percent of the country’s total exports are directed to the U.S. He highlighted that about 63 percent of Sri Lanka’s apparel exports are shipped to the U.S., generating around 400,000 direct jobs and supporting the livelihoods of more than one million people.

Premadasa stressed that Sri Lanka’s industries and supply chains are heavily reliant on continued access to the American market. While welcoming recent tariff cuts—including reductions from 44 percent to 30 percent and from 30 percent to 20 percent—he urged that further tariff relief is essential for Sri Lanka to overcome its financial crisis.

The Opposition Leader also called for enhanced cooperation between the two nations in politics, trade, education, and people-to-people exchanges, underlining shared democratic values, freedom of thought, freedom of association, religious liberty, and respect for diversity.

The U.S. delegation comprised Derek Luyten, Executive Director of the House Democracy Partnership; Chase Babeyar, Majority Staff Lead, HDP; Colby Harriman, Minority Staff Lead, HDP; Eric Ashida, Professional Staff Member of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee (Minority); Anthony V. Pierno, Political/Economic Counselor, U.S. Embassy; Adam Michelo, Political Officer, U.S. Embassy; and Nazreen Marikkar of the U.S. Embassy.

Comments - 3

Ajith Uduwela Thursday, 28 August 2025 03:00 PM

Sajith, desperate to get into the limelight trying to perform a government role though in the opposition.

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Rip Winkle Thursday, 28 August 2025 03:51 PM

Sajith, you're as shallow as a puddle. It's obvious you are attempting to get credit for the hard work of the government vis a vis the US tariffs. Shame on you, but what else can anyone expect from a failure like you?

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M Fernando Thursday, 28 August 2025 09:26 PM

"Democracy Partnership" with the US ????? The US is not a democracy., it is a militaristic, authoritarian regime where people get picked up off the street, flung into jail with no due process, shot randomly and where the army is patrolling the streets ! Just like Sri Lanka not so long ago !

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