Government Has No Solution to Trump’s Tax Policy: Opposition Leader

09-Jul-2025

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Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said that while the heads of other nations have engaged with U.S. economic policymakers to secure favorable arrangements regarding President Donald Trump’s tariff increases, the Sri Lankan government has failed to find any solutions to this issue.

Speaking at a public meeting in the Kalawewa area, he stated: “A significant portion of our exports go to the U.S. The retaliatory tariffs imposed by President Trump have created major challenges for our export sector. While other countries have negotiated directly with U.S. decision-makers to secure concessions, those responsible for managing Sri Lanka’s economy and industry have yet to do so.

“When we questioned the government about this, they proudly claimed they would send representatives to negotiate. But to date, there has been no solution. At a time when our export industry is under threat, this ineffective government remains silent and incapable of providing answers or remedies“.

“From 2028, Sri Lanka will be required to begin repaying foreign debt. The current government continues the same IMF agreements signed by the previous administration without any adjustments. Because of the challenges in exports, questions remain about how debt repayments will be managed“.

“To service our debt, the economy must grow by 5% annually. However, forecasts predict only 3.5% growth this year and 3.1% next year. We must achieve 5% by 2028, but this government has done nothing to support the export sector“.

“President Ranasinghe Premadasa once secured much-needed foreign exchange by establishing 200 garment factories. In contrast, today our exports are in decline due to this administration’s failures. They have not been able to secure any agreement with President Trump“.

“Our elected representatives come before the people during elections, win their votes, and then forget them. I have rejected this approach. A gap has emerged because the government neither listens to nor addresses people’s problems“.

“Today, even obtaining three meals a day has become a challenge. Many families are burdened by debt and unable to cover their daily expenses. A significant number have lost their primary sources of income, have pawned their assets, and have fallen into indebtedness“.

“Whether in tourism, agriculture, or fisheries, none of these sectors can now guarantee an improved standard of living. Many still lack title deeds or proper documentation for their land“.

“Because of this absence of capital value in their homes and land, development is also hindered. These housing and land issues remain unresolved. Although we have the potential to build a nature-based tourism industry linked to wildlife conservation, this government has taken no steps to do so“.

“We will document the problems faced by the people of this region, raise them in Parliament, and actively seek solutions. As the United People’s Power opposition, we will take every step possible to deliver results.”