Senior officials from the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka met with the Export Development Board (EDB) this week to explore avenues to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties between Sri Lanka and the United States.
The U.S. delegation was led by Mr. Daniel Jaksan, Economic and Commercial Officer at the U.S. Embassy, accompanied by Ms. Thiloma Abayanayaka, Commercial and Economic Assistant. They held discussions with EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe and senior EDB officials, including Acting Additional Director General (Development) Mrs. Kumudinie Mudalige, Director of Export Agriculture Mr. Janak Badugama, Director of Trade Facilitation and Trade Information Dr. S. U. Rathnasekera, along with other officials.
Discussions focused on expanding two-way investment flows and enhancing trade cooperation. Mr. Jaksan extended an invitation to Sri Lankan exporters to participate in the SelectUSA 2026 Investment Summit in Washington, a flagship platform that connects international investors with U.S. economic development organisations.
In turn, EDB Chairman Wijesinghe invited U.S. buyers, investors, and media representatives to attend Sri Lanka Expo 2026, which aims to showcase the country’s export strengths and investment potential across multiple sectors.
Tariff exemptions and mechanisms to improve market access for Sri Lankan exporters to the U.S. were identified as key areas of engagement, with both sides expressing a commitment to work towards more favourable and mutually beneficial trade conditions.
The United States remains Sri Lanka’s largest export destination. In 2025, Sri Lanka’s exports to the U.S. amounted to USD 2,999.15 million, while imports from the U.S. stood at USD 732.22 million. Exports to the U.S. grew by 3.07% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Sri Lanka’s main export products to the U.S. include apparel, rubber-based products, coconut kernel products, spices and concentrates, and processed foods.
The meeting reaffirmed the strong economic partnership between the two countries and underscored a shared commitment to deepening trade and investment relations in the years ahead
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