President Reviews Middle East Fallout; Weighs Fuel Subsidies to Shield Exports 📈

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake chaired high-level discussions at the Presidential Secretariat to address economic risks from the escalating Middle East conflict. The focus remains on safeguarding energy supplies and protecting Sri Lanka’s export sector as a national priority. • Energy Security & Subsidies: Officials assessed global energy disruptions and potential fuel market trends. The President instructed a feasibility study on introducing _targeted subsidy mechanisms_ to cushion the economy from external shocks and prevent a contraction of 2025's economic gains. • Support for Key Industries: The government pledged to prioritize energy allocation for export-oriented sectors to minimize disruptions to production and logistics. Key stakeholders represented included: Apparel & Textiles: Represented by JAAF and Brandix. Tea: Represented by the Sri Lanka Tea Exporters Association (TEA). Rubber Products: Represented by SLAMERP. Manufacturing & Logistics: Industry bodies presented proposals to maintain supply chain stability and global competitiveness. • Strategic Focus: The administration aims to treat the export sector as a pillar of foreign exchange earnings, ensuring reliable fuel supplies despite global uncertainty. Attendees included the Treasury Secretary, EDB Chairman, and senior economic advisers. _Note: Based on official provisional reports from March 20, 2026._