AmCham Sri Lanka represents member interests at Washington Doorknock 2026 as the Chamber strengthened dialogue on trade, investment and economic cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United States during a high-level advocacy mission in Washington, D.C.
AmCham Sri Lanka represents member interests at Washington Doorknock 2026 in US trade talks
The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham Sri Lanka) participated in the AmChams of Asia Pacific (AAP) Washington Doorknock 2026, held from June 21 to 24, with President Sandun Hapugoda and Board Director Saneth Gamage representing the Chamber and its membership.
The annual Washington Doorknock is regarded as the flagship advocacy initiative of the AmChams of Asia Pacific network, bringing together senior business leaders from across the region to engage directly with senior US policymakers, Members of Congress, government agencies and leading policy institutions. The programme provides member chambers with an opportunity to present private-sector priorities while strengthening economic cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.
Representing Sri Lanka’s business community, the AmCham Sri Lanka delegation conveyed the concerns and recommendations of its members on issues affecting US-Sri Lanka trade and investment. The advocacy mission took place at a time when the United States continues to reshape its trade, investment and geopolitical policies in response to changing global economic conditions.
Ahead of the visit, the Chamber conducted an extensive consultation process over six months through industry roundtables, one-on-one discussions and policy engagements with member companies across multiple sectors. These consultations enabled AmCham Sri Lanka to develop a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing businesses operating within the bilateral trade corridor.
Among the key issues raised were tariff uncertainty, non-tariff barriers, market access, investment confidence, regulatory predictability and opportunities to deepen commercial engagement between the two countries.
During the mission, the delegation met senior officials from the Office of the Vice President, the White House National Security Council, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the US Department of Commerce, the US Department of Energy, the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), Members of Congress, congressional staff, the US Chamber of Commerce and several Washington-based policy institutions.
A major focus of the discussions was the ongoing negotiations surrounding a bilateral trade agreement between Sri Lanka and the United States, as well as concerns relating to the Section 301 investigation affecting Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector.
The delegation highlighted the importance of providing greater certainty for Sri Lankan exporters, particularly the apparel industry, while encouraging the early conclusion of a bilateral agreement that would strengthen US-Sri Lanka trade and improve market confidence. Representatives also sought greater clarity on US tariff priorities and the expected role of the Sri Lankan Government in advancing negotiations.
According to AmCham Sri Lanka, discussions with US officials indicated that negotiations were progressing positively, providing encouragement for businesses seeking a more predictable trade environment.
Beyond trade policy, the delegation participated in discussions covering investment promotion, energy security, supply chain resilience, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, critical minerals and regional economic cooperation. These engagements provided Sri Lankan business leaders with valuable insights into emerging US policy priorities that are expected to influence future trade and investment flows.
The Chamber also promoted Sri Lanka as an attractive destination for American investment, highlighting opportunities across infrastructure, renewable energy, financial services, supply chains and digital connectivity. Discussions with the US International Development Finance Corporation explored potential avenues for supporting private-sector investment projects while recognising AmCham Sri Lanka’s role in connecting US investors with credible opportunities in Sri Lanka.
Another significant outcome of the visit was the strengthening of relationships within the AmChams of Asia Pacific network, allowing Sri Lanka to exchange experiences with chambers representing more than 15 economies across the region. These engagements are expected to support future advocacy efforts and provide early insights into evolving US trade, investment and economic policies.
By participating in the Washington Doorknock, AmCham Sri Lanka reaffirmed its commitment to representing the interests of its members through constructive engagement with both the Sri Lankan and US governments. As AmCham Sri Lanka represents member interests at Washington Doorknock 2026, the Chamber says it will continue consulting its members and policymakers to help shape stronger bilateral trade, investment and business relations between the two countries.