Sajith responds to US tariff on Sri Lanka; Calls it ’’wake-up call’’

Colombo, April 3 (Daily Mirror) - Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa criticised the new 44% tariff imposed by the United States on Sri Lankan exports, calling it a "wake-up call" for the country’s economic policy. 

In his statement, Premadasa emphasised that this issue goes beyond trade, highlighting the government's historical stance of blocking trade deals, distrusting globalisation and viewing investment as an intrusion.

Premadasa called for a strategic reset in Sri Lanka's approach to international trade. He urged the government to prioritise partnerships over paranoia and avoid fueling hate-mongering to appease local cartels. 

The Opposition Leader stressed the need for an Asia-centric trade strategy, with stronger relations with India, ASEAN, and Bangladesh, alongside a shift from reliance on tariffs to fostering production-led, investor-friendly growth.

"And above all, we must stop the silent defiance of regional interests of other nations. Protecting mutual interests is the only way forward. Posturing is not strategy. Mature nations negotiate. It’s time we did too," he said.