U.S. Embassy Officials Meet with EDB to Strengthen Bilateral Trade and Investment Ties

February, 5, 2026

Senior officials of Mr.Daniel Jaksan, Economic and Commercial officer at the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, accompanied by Ms.Thiloma Abayanayaka, Commercial and Economic Assistant, met with the Chairman of the Export Development Board (EDB)Mr.Mangala Wijesinghe, along with the senior officials including Acting Additional Director General (Development) Mrs. Kumudinie Mudalige, Director of Export Agriculture Mr. Janak Badugama, Director of Trade Facilitation & Trade Information Dr. S.U. Rathnasekera, and other EDB officials to discuss expanding trade relations and investment opportunities between the two countries.

During the discussions, both parties explored investment opportunities flowing from Sri Lanka to the United States and vice versa. Mr. Jackson extended an invitation to Sri Lankan exporters to participate in the SelectUSA 2026 Investment Summit in Washington, a premier platform for connecting international investors with U.S. economic development organizations.

EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe also invited U.S. buyers, investors, and media representatives to participate in Sri Lanka Expo 2026, which will showcase the country's diverse export capabilities and investment potential.

A key topic of discussion centered on tariff exemptions and exploring pathways to create more favorable conditions for Sri Lankan exporters in the U.S. market. Both parties expressed commitment to working toward mutually beneficial trade arrangements.

The United States remains Sri Lanka's largest export destination. In 2025, total exports from Sri Lanka to the United States reached USD 2,999.15 million, while imports from the U.S. to Sri Lanka totaled USD 732.22 million during the same period.

Sri Lanka's exports to the United States demonstrated positive growth, increasing by 3.07% in 2025 compared to 2024. The country's main export products to the U.S. market include apparel, rubber products, coconut kernel products, spices and concentrates, and processed foods.

The meeting underscored the strong economic partnership between Sri Lanka and the United States and the shared commitment to deepening trade and investment relations in the years ahead.