Sri Lanka, Aug. 1 -- The United National Party (UNP) has welcomed the recent executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump, which further reduces the reciprocal tariff rates on Sri Lankan exports.

In a statement, the UNP commended the Sri Lankan Government and its negotiating team for successfully concluding the relevant negotiations.

"We commend the Government and the negotiating team for successfully concluding the negotiations," the party said.

The new Executive Order states that "some trading partners have agreed to, or are on the verge of agreeing to, meaningful trade and security commitments with the United States."

Specifically, Section 2(b) of the Order notes:

"Certain foreign trading partners identified in Annex 1 to...