Category: News

The United States has offered to accept 70 to 80% of products exported from Sri Lanka without imposing any tariffs, Deputy Minister of Economic Development (Prof.) Anil Jayantha Fernando stated.

The offer has been made during on-going discussions between Sri Lanka and the US following the decision by US President Donald Trump earlier this year to impose reciprocal tariffs on countries based on existing trade deficits.

Speaking during the “Ada Derana Big Focus” program held today (17), Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando confirmed that the US has offered Sri Lanka a list of 1,161 products for exports including apparel and 42 products related to the Agricultural industry.

The Deputy Minister of Economic Development stated that the details of the agreement with the United States cannot be disclosed yet, as discussions related to tariff concessions have not been finalized.

He added due to the technical nature and diplomatic protocol, matters under discussion will not be made public at this juncture.

Deputy Minister of Economic Development Anil Jayantha Fernando said Sri Lanka is also in discussions on the possibility of securing 0% tariffs on imports from the US.

He said, “When it comes to imports, currently goods imported from the U.S. fall within a 0% to 20% tariff range. So even if we slightly reduce the rates on some of those items, it will not result in a significant loss of revenue for the government, as we import only around USD 300 million worth from the U.S.”

Meanwhile, a delegation from Sri Lanka is scheduled to leave for the United States tomorrow (18) to continue discussions on further reducing U.S. tariff rates.

According to the recent announcement by the White House, goods exported to the United States from Sri Lanka will be subject to a 30% tariff from August 1.

JMO Jaffna general hospital Dr. Pranavan Selliah has informed court that excavations of the Chemmani mass grave in Jaffna will resume on July 21.

He said excavations in the second stage continued for 24 days under the supervision of Jaffna Magistrate A. Anandaraja and the finds included the skeletal remains of 65 bodies and they are at present in his custody.

Bags, footwear, bangles, and clothes were among other finds that are under strict security of the police.

The skeletal remains of human bodies had been recovered first on February 16 by the workers who carried out excavations at the site to lay the foundation for a crematorium under a project contracted by the Nallur Pradeshiya Sabha.

Nallur police had initiated action on information from the contractor and provided protection to the site.

China will always remain a trusted friend and ally of Sri Lanka, said Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Education in Battaramulla today (16).

At the event, it was officially announced that the entire requirement of fabric for school uniforms for the year 2025—valued at Rs. 5,171 million—has been provided as a grant by the Government of China.

The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, along with other dignitaries.

In his address, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong stated:

“China will always be your reliable brother and helper whenever Sri Lanka needs it. Children are not only the future of this country but also the heirs of the China–Sri Lanka friendship. Every stitch on their uniforms will tell the story of mutual cooperation between our two ancient civilizations. I highly appreciate the contribution and dedication of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya to the education sector in Sri Lanka.”

Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya expressed her gratitude to the Chinese government and people:

“Sri Lanka and China share a long-standing friendship and tradition of cooperation. The donation of school uniform fabric is a significant gesture in this enduring relationship. In 2023 and 2024, the Chinese government provided a substantial portion of our national requirement for school uniform materials. In 2025, they have donated the entire supply.

This support comes at a very challenging time for Sri Lanka and is deeply appreciated. Our government has already submitted a request for continued assistance from China for the year 2026 as well. On behalf of the children and parents of our country, I extend heartfelt thanks to the Chinese government and the people of China.”

India’s Adani Green Energy and the government authorities are poised to be involved in a legal wrangle over the reimbursement of initial expenses made by the company before it withdrew from the renewable energy projects in Sri Lanka.

The company withdrew from the project after the Sri Lankan government ,led by the National People’s Power (NPP) was unprepared to press ahead with it according to terms agreed upon by the previous government which struck the agreement.

The company took that decision after Sri Lanka, under the new government led by the National People’s Power ( NPP), sought to lower the cost of the power generated. The NPP government disagreed with the cost agreed upon by the last government which struck the project with Adani. The company was to build a wind power plant project in the Mannar and Pooneryn towns in the northern province, investing $442 million.

The project was expected to add at least 350 MW to the national grid by 2025.The company authorities sent a letter to the government authorities in May this year asking for reimbursement of expenses it made initially for research and investigation along with the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA) in Sri Lanka.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Sri Lanka is currently in the process of seeking legal advice about reimbursements sought by the company for some expenses. The Authority is adamant that it cannot reimburse payment made for the energy permit. It is, however, prepared to consider reimbursement of other expenses depending on legal advice.

An informed source said that legal cases might entail due to differences over reimbursements following legal advice.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi yesterday called upon his Sri Lankan counterpart Vijitha Herath to expedite the finalisation of the China-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Minister Yi was speaking during a bilateral meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where the two sides vowed to deepen their strategic cooperative partnership and enhance practical cooperation.

A China-Sri Lanka FTA, which has been under discussion for some time, is likely to boost two-way trade and also address the imbalance in the trade figures.

Minister Yi also called on both sides to deepen high-quality Belt and Road (BRI) cooperation, jointly implement the two flagship projects – the Colombo Port City and the Hambantota Port, and create new growth points for cooperation in fields such as Green Energy, Digital Economy, modern agriculture and maritime (Blue) economy.

Talking specifically on cooperation in the maritime domain, Minister Yi said such cooperation is mutually beneficial, adding that it does not target any third party and should not be interfered with by any third party. The Chinese Foreign Minister said the so-called “Indo-Pacific Strategy” pursued by certain parties provokes confrontation and coerces all parties to take sides, which is not in line with the trend of the times and will not be supported by regional countries.

Wang said China is ready to work with Sri Lanka to push the development of the strategic cooperative partnership featuring mutual assistance and ever-lasting friendship between the two countries. Minister Herath said Sri Lanka attaches great importance to its relations with China, and firmly adheres to the “One China” principle. Minister Herath said that bilateral cooperation has brought tangible benefits to Sri Lankans and promoted the development and connectivity of the region. Sri Lanka will enhance practical cooperation with China in areas including trade and investment, infrastructure and ocean, and further deepen the two countries’ strategic cooperative partnership in a number of sectors.