The Hon. Ravi Karunanayake

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Speaker, thank you for the opportunity. I raise a Question on the impact of the 44% tax on Sri Lankan exports to the United States for the Hon. Minister of Finance:

¶ 02 1. What immediate diplomatic or trade actions were taken after I raised this on 18 March 2025 to prevent such tariffs? 2. What short- and long-term counter-strategies will be adopted to protect exports—especially apparel, rubber, tea and marine exports? 3. With whom in the US administration/USTR did the Government engage and with what outcome? 4. Has the Government formally requested President Trump/the US administration for a special dispensation or exemption? 5. What alternative markets/agreements are pursued to reduce dependence on the US? 6. Over the past five years, what primary products were exported to the US and their annual values? 7. What are current US tariff rates on imports from key apparel competitors (Indonesia, China, African countries, Vietnam, Bangladesh, India) compared with the 44% now imposed on Sri Lanka? 8. What specific strategies are being implemented to enhance competitiveness given this disadvantage? 9. What measures support exporters, particularly SMEs, affected by these tariffs?

¶ 03 This is a national problem; let us treat it as such.