July 10, Colombo (LNW): Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has sharply criticised Sri Lanka’s handling of trade talks with the United States, attributing the recently announced 30 per cent tariff on Sri Lankan exports to what he called ego-driven, poor negotiation strategy.
Premadasa expressed concern that the country’s failure to secure more favourable trade terms was costing Sri Lanka dearly, stating that nearly US$3 billion in export value now faces risk due to what he described as missed opportunities for collaboration and expert guidance.
“A 30 per cent U.S. tariff on Sri Lankan exports is the price we pay for poor negotiation. Our ego kept us from seeking every ally, every expert hand, and now nearly US$3 billion in exports hangs in the balance. This is a good case study on how textbook experts are not meant for real world negotiations,” Premadasa wrote.
He warned that overreliance on theoretical knowledge rather than practical negotiation expertise had undermined the country’s ability to defend its trade interests effectively. His remarks have added to a growing wave of anxiety within the export sector, where businesses are bracing for the impact of the new tariff regime.
The 30 per cent levy, though reduced from an earlier proposed 44 per cent in April, continues to be viewed as a major obstacle to maintaining Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in the U.S. market.
