Colombo – SLPP Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa has welcomed the recent reduction in U.S. tariff rates on Sri Lankan exports, but strongly urged the Government to release the full details of the trade and security agreements made with the United States.

Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Rajapaksa praised the efforts of the NPP-led government, stating:

“Encouraging to see U.S. tariff rates reduced to 20%, placing us on par with countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh. I congratulate the Government for its consistent engagement with U.S. trade officials.”

However, he emphasized the importance of transparency, warning that the public must be informed about the conditions tied to such concessions.

“I call on the Government to be transparent regarding the meaningful trade and security agreements that led to this reduction. The public deserves to know the terms of any international deals,” he said.

While acknowledging the benefit of enhanced market access for Sri Lankan exporters, Rajapaksa cautioned that no agreement should come at the cost of national sovereignty.

“Any agreement with international partners must be transparent and must not undermine Sri Lanka’s sovereignty. I urge the Government to publicly release the agreement and its conditions.”

The tariff cut follows an executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump on July 31, which lowered import duties on Sri Lankan goods from 44% to 20%, reversing a higher rate announced earlier this year.