US Ambassador, Mano Ganesan-led TPA delegation in key talks

US Ambassador Julie Chung hailed her meeting with leaders of the Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) this week as part of her cross-party outreach efforts.

After the talks, Ambassador Chung appreciated hearing about TPA priorities and discussing how the US-Sri Lanka relationship can strengthen both countries.

She also expressed her anticipation via the X platform for continued economic collaboration and success as their bilateral relationship grows.

TPA leader Mano Ganesan shared more details about the productive meeting with the ambassador on the X social media platform.

He emphasized that the TPA conveyed its message to the USA that “#USAFirst” and “#LankaFirst” policies should mutually benefit both countries.

Ganesan also shared that the ambassador informed the TPA leader that the administration of US President Donald Trump might pressure the Sri Lankan government to increase imports from the US to address the trade imbalance.

He also explained that while the USA accounted for 23% of Sri Lanka’s annual exports, valued at $16 billion, Sri Lanka imported $370 million worth of goods from the US.

Ganesan added that the ambassador mentioned that the Trump administration may expect Sri Lanka to increase imports from the US to rectify the trade imbalance.

He also mentioned that US cotton fabric raw material could be one potential import that Sri Lanka could consider increasing.

In addition, Ganesan stated that the economic rebuilding of Sri Lanka, the reconciliation process, and the aspirations of the marginalized #Malaiyaha #Tamil community were also discussed during the meeting.

Ganesan also clarified that the US Embassy had dismissed media reports of a scheduled visit by Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.