U.S. envoy urges Sri Lanka to cut trade barriers, boost business climate
Julie J. Chung – U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has called on the country to strengthen trade facilitation and improve its business environment by reducing non-tariff barriers.
Speaking during a meeting with officials of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador Chung said Sri Lanka should “seize this window of opportunity” by enhancing openness and competitiveness to attract more investment.
The meeting focused on trade, investment, and economic opportunities between Sri Lanka and the United States, the Chamber said in a statement.
Ambassador Chung met with Chamber Chairman Krishan Balendra, Vice Chairman Bingumal Thewarathanthri, Deputy Vice Chairman Vinod Hirdaramani, Secretary General and CEO Buwanekabahu Perera, and other senior representatives. She congratulated Mr. Balendra on his recent appointment as Chairman and reaffirmed the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to work closely with the Chamber, describing it as the leading voice of the private sector.
She also commended the Sri Lankan Government for its “collaborative and constructive” approach in trade negotiations with the United States, stressing the importance of achieving a fair and balanced trade relationship.
The discussion highlighted Sri Lanka’s strategic regional position and its potential to attract growing U.S. business interest. Ambassador Chung noted that with global trade patterns shifting, many American companies are now looking at South Asia, with Sri Lanka emerging as one of the top choices.
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka, Japan hold high-level defence talks in Japan March 19, 2026
- Ex-SriLankan CEO claims Rs. 60 Million paid to Mahinda Rajapaksa in Airbus deal March 19, 2026
- Opposition files no-confidence motion against Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody March 19, 2026
- Sri Lanka, Qatar hold urgent talks as Middle East tensions rise, call for stability March 19, 2026
- Police Sub-Inspector arrested over Rs. 10,000 bribe in Ragama March 19, 2026
Well, nontariff barriers are there to protect domestic industries from foreign competition. Having regulations and standards, governments can protect their industries from low-cost imports, thereby supporting local businesses and preserving jobs. If you lift nontariff barriers out traditional industries (especially domestic) will suffer. SL market will be flooded (already happening!!) by cheap plastic environmentally unfriendly plastic products. Even we will see imported fibre-ropes, rubber slippers, dry fish, plastic brooms, coconut milk packets, ripe Jackfruits, rambutan, etc.