Sri Lanka should appoint a national trade representative: Sajith

3 April 2025 06:58 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 16 Bookmark

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Colombo, April 3 (Daily Mirror) - Highlighting that Sri Lankan exports have been pushed into a deep crisis as a result of reciprocal tariffs by the USA on its imports, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa called for the appointment of a national trade representative to deal with the crisis.

Addressing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) convention in Colombo, Premadasa said Sri Lanka needs an expert trade team to deal with the issue.

“The USA has imposed reciprocal tariffs on its imports. The whole nation is in a panic. So is President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and the government. Sri Lankan exports have been pushed into a crisis. Around 100,000 people are expected to lose their jobs as a result. The Sri Lankan apparel sector which was nurtured by late President R. Premadasa is also in danger,” Sajith Premadasa said.

Comments - 16

wickrama Wijayasiri Thursday, 03 April 2025 07:08 PM

Could you explain how? Just imagine, if you came in to power, a job for one of your cronies?

0 2

Sambo Thursday, 03 April 2025 07:14 PM

He say's as per the government a committee ahs been formed and a delegation has gone to the US to investigate on the tax matter and needs to know the come of it . In which world is this guy living and asking question. The committee is in the process of being formed and no gone to the US as the tariffs were declared only today.

0 10

Rip Winkle Thursday, 03 April 2025 07:19 PM

Oh man! Dude, in simple English ... nobody is interested in anything you might have to say anymore. Don't you read the comments here?

0 7

Damage will be worse but reducing currency manipulation and trade barriers is solution Thursday, 03 April 2025 07:27 PM

The extent of the damage has to be minimised as soon as possible. SJB leader doesn't mention about harm done to US by the long term Damage will be worse but reducing currency manipulation and trade barriers, which then have to removed to get reciprocal tariffs to be reduced.

0 3

Samy Selvarajah Thursday, 03 April 2025 07:36 PM

Since you cannot do anything, please keep your mouth shut. Not only Sri Lanka being affected but the whole world is. We pray and wait for God's help.

0 1

Upulpb Thursday, 03 April 2025 07:38 PM

There is a President and a Government elected by the people and we are sure that they will handle this issue in a sensible manner.

0 2

janp Thursday, 03 April 2025 08:40 PM

SAJITH IS MOST LIKELY EDUCATED TALENTED PERSON TO HANDLE ANY SITUATIONS AD National Trade Representative

1 0

S P Thursday, 03 April 2025 09:47 PM

Just a few hours ago this guy made some sensible comments on free trade and now back to his old self! Appoint a trade commissioner? A second rate Sri Lankan bureaucrat to deal with the President of the United States? OMG!

0 3

mina Friday, 04 April 2025 06:01 AM

This country is now headed by a party whose main goal is to maintain the economic stability and its well being. They are not corrupt and handle every thing transparently. People of this country believe that thy will do every thing to meet the crises.

0 1

Monkey Donkey Friday, 04 April 2025 07:07 AM

Sri Lankan Ambassador to US is the Trade Representative.

0 0

Ylg Friday, 04 April 2025 08:07 AM

Sounds dangerous. He might get corrupted. The finance or foreign ministry should handle it, under everybody's watchful eye.

0 1

Sambo Friday, 04 April 2025 08:18 AM

You can only talk but do nothing. Big talkers are less workers.

0 1

Guppi Friday, 04 April 2025 08:24 AM

@Sajith, since you know billianaires personally, like you said during elections, you are the best bet.

1 0

Ram P Friday, 04 April 2025 09:18 AM

I wonder if Sajith wants to be the Trade Represetative and leave politics?

0 1

Judr Friday, 04 April 2025 09:52 AM

No need of fancy titles, the Trade Minister can deal with the issues.

0 0

Jude Friday, 04 April 2025 10:02 AM

So sajith now you're giving the credit to your late father for nurturing The garments trade. 1985 , Martin Trust, one of the pioneers in the development of "Speed Sourcing" for the American fashion retail sector, began working with SL textile and apparel companies, and rest is history.

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