Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Employment Arun Hemachandra says the Sri Lankan Government takes full responsibility for addressing the recently imposed US reciprocal tariffs thoughtfully, steadily, and with the people’s interest at heart.
In a statement on Facebook, the first official response from a government representative, Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra, said that through careful diplomacy, practical action, and working hand-in-hand with Sri Lanka’s international partners, the government will protect the economy and the nation’s future.
He further said that the recent tariff announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump has added new pressures to global trade, including for countries like Sri Lanka, which have long-standing economic ties with the United States.
Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra pointed out that Sri Lanka’s tariff structure was not something created overnight and that it reflects a structure shaped by past policy directions.
“But as a government, we take full responsibility for addressing it—thoughtfully, steadily, and with the people’s interest at heart. We know how hard our exporters, workers, and entrepreneurs have worked to earn their place in global markets. And we want to assure you—this government will do everything necessary to safeguard those efforts. Through careful diplomacy, practical action, and working hand-in-hand with our international partners, we will protect our economy and our future,” he assured. Stating that this is not a moment for fear but a moment for focus, he added that the government is focused and that Sri Lanka will move forward calmly, confidently, and together.(newswire)
