Economic Leaders Map Out Pathways to Boost U.S.–Sri Lanka Trade
Senior officials from the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, led by Mr. Daniel Jaksan, Economic and Commercial Officer, and Ms. Thiloma Abayanayaka, Commercial and Economic Assistant, met with Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the Export Development Board (EDB), along with senior EDB officials including Mrs. Kumudinie Mudalige, Acting Additional Director General (Development); Mr. Janak Badugama, Director of Export Agriculture; and Dr. S.U. Rathnasekera, Director of Trade Facilitation & Trade Information.
The discussions focused on expanding bilateral trade and exploring investment opportunities flowing between Sri Lanka and the United States. Mr. Jaksan invited Sri Lankan exporters to participate in the SelectUSA 2026 Investment Summit in Washington, a premier platform connecting international investors with U.S. economic development organisations. In turn, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe extended an invitation to U.S. buyers, investors, and media representatives to take part in Sri Lanka Expo 2026, which will showcase the country’s diverse export capabilities and investment potential.
Key topics included tariff exemptions and strategies to create more favourable conditions for Sri Lankan exporters in the U.S. market. Both parties emphasised their commitment to pursuing mutually beneficial trade arrangements.
Highlighting the strength of the U.S.–Sri Lanka economic partnership, the meeting noted that the United States remains Sri Lanka’s largest export destination. In 2025, exports to the U.S. totalled USD 2,999.15 million, while imports from the U.S. reached USD 732.22 million, with exports showing a 3.07% growth compared to 2024. Major export products include apparel, rubber products, coconut kernel products, spices and concentrates, and processed foods.
The engagement underlined a shared vision to deepen trade and investment ties, signalling a coordinated effort to strengthen long-term economic cooperation between the two nations.
