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U.S. slashes tariffs on Sri Lankan goods to 20% — ‘A Game-Changer for Exporters’

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In a significant boost to Sri Lanka’s export economy, U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reducing import tariffs on Sri Lankan goods to 20%—a dramatic drop from the steep 44% announced in April. The decision, confirmed by the White House recently, comes as a major relief to Sri Lankan exporters, particularly in key industries such as apparel, ICT, minerals, tea and aquatic products, who were struggling to remain competitive in one of their largest markets, the National Chamber of Exporters has said.

Extracts from the NCE media statement: “This breakthrough is the result of strategic diplomatic efforts, and the leadership of the National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) has warmly welcomed the move.

“NCE president Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa commended the government and the negotiating team, stating:

‘This is a timely and hard-won achievement. The reduction in tariffs creates breathing space for our exporters and reopens doors to the U.S. market. The negotiating team must be applauded for delivering this positive result amidst a complex and highly protectionist global trade environment.

‘We commend the professionalism and persistence of the Sri Lankan officials and negotiators who made this breakthrough possible. Their efforts have created a platform for renewed optimism within our export community.’

However, NCE Secretary General/CEO Shiham Marikar cautioned that while the tariff cut provides a more level playing field, Sri Lankan exporters are still burdened by high domestic costs:

‘Electricity, logistics, port charges, and regulatory red tape make the cost of production in Sri Lanka significantly higher than in countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, and India. Without addressing these fundamental inefficiencies, we risk falling behind—despite having tariff access.

‘While the reduced U.S. tariffs are welcome, Sri Lanka must now take a broader and long-term view of its export strategy.

‘We cannot be overly dependent on a single market like the U.S., said Marikar. ‘Global trade is becoming increasingly volatile. To ensure resilience, Sri Lanka must diversify its export destinations, add more value to its products and focus on niche markets.’

“Exporters are encouraged to explore emerging markets in the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America—regions that offer growing demand and fewer entry barriers. Government-to-government trade agreements, regional partnerships, and targeted marketing efforts are key to accessing these untapped opportunities.

“Sri Lanka’s traditional reliance on raw and semi-processed exports must shift toward innovation-driven, high-margin products. For example:

“Instead of bulk tea, promote premium wellness teas with sustainable packaging.

“In apparel, capitalize on ethical manufacturing to build global brands.

“Value addition not only increases export earnings but also enhances Sri Lanka’s positioning on the global stage.

“Sri Lanka should focus on sectors that prioritize quality, traceability, sustainability and ethical sourcing. These include: Artisanal foods, Organic products, Designer home décor, Wellness goods, Fair-trade certified apparel”



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Police officers donate LKR 9,687,462 from day’s salary to ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund

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A sum of LKR. 9,687,462, raised from day’s salary officers of the Police Department, has been donated to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund, established to support the recovery of communities affected by Cyclone Ditwah and to assist in rebuilding the country following the disaster.

To date, officers of the Police Department have contributed over LKR. 74 million to the ‘Rebuilding Sri Lanka’ Fund through three such contributions of one day’s salary.

The donation was presented on Wednesday  (22) afternoon at the Presidential Secretariat by the Personal Assistant to the Inspector General of Police, Senior Superintendent of Police  C. C. Bamunuarachchi, to the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

Chief Inspector  Udaya Kumara, Officer-in-Charge of the Police Secretariat, was also present on the occasion.

[Presidents Media Division]

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Heat Index at Caution Level in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time

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Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre
Issued at 3.30 p.m. on 26 April 2026, valid for 27 April 2026.

The Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Northern, North-central, North-western, Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern, and Eastern provinces and in Monaragala district during the day time.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry
of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.

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Opposition asks for PSC to probe Treasury theft

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Sajith

Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has called for the appointment of a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to investigate the illegal diversion of Treasury funds, amounting to US$2.5 million to a third-party account.

Premadasa has said both the chairmanship and a majority of the Committee’s membership should be held by the Opposition to ensure impartiality.

The government has not only failed to account for the loss of US$2.5 million but also deliberately withheld information from Parliament, the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) and the public, Premadasa has told the media, accusing the ruling party of seeking to deflect responsibility by initiating an internal departmental inquiry, which he describes as a biased process designed to justify predetermined conclusions.

The Opposition Leader has said only a transparent and independent probe could establish the facts, adding that such an investigation could be effectively carried out through a Parliamentary Select Committee led by the Opposition.

He has also warned that the alleged failure to inform Parliament about the missing funds amounted to a serious breach of accountability.

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