Senior officials from the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, including Mr. Daniel Jaksan, the Economic and Commercial Officer, and Ms. Thiloma Abayanayaka, Commercial and Economic Assistant, recently convened with the Chairman of the Export Development Board (EDB), Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe. The meeting also included senior EDB officials such as Acting Additional Director General (Development) Mrs. Kumudinie Mudalige, Director of Export Agriculture Mr. Janak Badugama, and Director of Trade Facilitation & Trade Information Dr. S.U. Rathnasekera, among others. The primary focus was on expanding trade relations and exploring investment opportunities between the United States and Sri Lanka.
During the discussion, both parties examined potential investment flows between the two nations. Mr. Jaksan invited Sri Lankan exporters to participate in the SelectUSA 2026 Investment Summit in Washington, a key event designed to connect international investors with U.S. economic development organizations.
In response, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe extended an invitation to U.S. buyers, investors, and media representatives to attend Sri Lanka Expo 2026, which will highlight the country’s diverse export capabilities and investment potential.
A significant topic of the meeting was tariff exemptions, with both sides exploring ways to create more favorable conditions for Sri Lankan exporters entering the U.S. market. The commitment to establishing mutually beneficial trade arrangements was emphasized by both parties.
The United States continues to be Sri Lanka’s largest export destination. In 2025, Sri Lanka’s total exports to the U.S. amounted to USD 2,999.15 million, while imports from the U.S. stood at USD 732.22 million. Moreover, Sri Lanka’s exports to the United States showed positive growth, increasing by 3.07% in 2025 compared to 2024. Key export products to the U.S. include apparel, rubber products, coconut kernel products, spices and concentrates, and processed foods.
The meeting highlighted the robust economic partnership between Sri Lanka and the United States and reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening trade and investment relations in the future.
