Harsha calls for national unity, urgent reforms amid tariff crisis

Saturday, 5 April 2025 01:26 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Expresses willingness to help figure way forward if Govt. is ready
Calls on Govt. to suspend upcoming amendment on SVAT removal as an urgent relief for exporters

SJB MP Dr. Harsha de Silva

Main Opposition party Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP and economist Dr. Harsha de Silva yesterday called for a unified national approach to address the tariff crisis, offering his expertise to the President Anura Kumara Disanayake-led Government.

“I am willing to help figure the way forward on Trump tariffs if President Anura Kumara Disanayake so desires. This crisis is national. Fallout could be huge.

My position has always been that Sri Lanka must break (tariff) walls and build (trade) bridges, SJB blueprint – not other way around,” he noted via ‘X.’

His remarks follow rising concern over the US’s new reciprocal tariff policy, which slaps a steep 44% tariff on Sri Lankan exports.

Dr. de Silva also stated that it was only on Thursday (3) he argued at the BIMSTEC Dialogue that unless countries like Sri Lanka undertake major trade and investment reform, it will not be able to integrate with the region. “I have always argued that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is only a dream unless we commit to liberalising goods and services,” he added.

Acknowledging the compounded pressure on exporters who are already bracing for the US tariff shock, Dr. de Silva called on the Government to suspend the upcoming amendment to the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) scheme.

“While I appreciate the complexity involved, I urge the government to suspend next week’s scheduled amendment on SVAT removal for exporters as an urgent relief until things settle,” he added.

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