Sri Lanka Awaits Major US Tariff Relief as Ambassador Signals ‘Good News’

COLOMBO (News 1st); The outgoing Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United States, Mahinda Samarasinghe, says Sri Lanka is likely to receive a positive message within the next few days regarding efforts to reduce tariffs imposed by the United States on Sri Lankan exports.

Ambassador Samarasinghe made the remarks while attending a ceremony organized at a Buddhist temple in Washington ahead of the conclusion of his diplomatic tenure.

Reflecting on his service in Washington, Samarasinghe noted that he had not been asked by the current government to step down from his position. He pointed out that when the present administration took office, 17 ambassadors appointed by the previous government remained in service and that 16 of them were recalled before the completion of their terms, while he was requested to continue serving.

“I must first say that I was never asked by this government to leave. When this government came to power, there were 17 ambassadors appointed by the previous administration. Sixteen of them were recalled before the end of their terms, but I was asked to continue my duties. I worked very well with this government and there were no issues whatsoever,” he said.

Samarasinghe revealed that he had recently been in contact with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and had obtained the President’s signature for a Gazette notification linked to ongoing efforts aimed at securing a further reduction in US tariff rates on Sri Lankan exports.

“Through that Gazette notification, we expect to deliver very good news to the people of Sri Lanka soon as part of a programme to further reduce the tariff rate. Whatever my political views or ideology may be, from the day I assumed this position I did not engage in politics. I did not campaign for anyone, nor did I involve myself in political activities. That is why I was able to work for the country and for the motherland together with my team,” the Ambassador stated.

Mahinda Samarasinghe was appointed Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the United States on November 29, 2021, by then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He formally assumed duties at the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington on December 1, 2021.

Addressing speculation about a possible return to active politics following the end of his diplomatic posting, Samarasinghe firmly ruled out re-entering partisan politics.

“Even after I return to Sri Lanka, I will continue working for my motherland. That service will not stop. I will serve the country with even greater commitment, but not through politics. I will not join any political party. It is possible to serve the country without engaging in politics,” he said.

He added that he would nevertheless be willing to assist the government if his expertise or services were sought in the national interest.

“If this government believes I can contribute to its programmes and requests my assistance, I will not hesitate to provide that service for the sake of the country,” he said.

Samarasinghe also clarified that his departure was a personal decision and not the result of any directive from the government.

“The government never asked me to return. In fact, I could have remained in office until December. If I had said I wanted to stay longer, they would gladly have allowed me to continue because there were never any issues between us. I have worked well and maintained a good relationship throughout,” he added.