Why have tariff concessions for exports not been secured despite strong international relations? – Harsha

2026-02-14 - 16:29

If the Government is maintaining strong international relations as it claims, why has Sri Lanka been unable to secure tariff concessions for its exports, questioned Harsha de Silva, a Member of Parliament representing the Samagi Jana Balawegaya. He expressed these views during an interview. The MP noted that after laying the groundwork for a trade agreement with the United States, India succeeded in reducing tariffs on its exports. He added that India went further by entering into a similar agreement with the European Union, thereby creating opportunities for Indian products to be exported duty-free to 20 European countries. He also noted that Bangladesh has entered into a comparable agreement with the United States, while Sri Lanka has so far been unable to secure such an opportunity.