Establishment of National Trade Negotiation Committee (NTFC) and Trade Policy Consultation Committee.
Approval has been granted at the cabinet meeting held on 24-08-2026 to implement the recommendations submitted by the committee appointed to review Sri Lanka’s current Free Trade Agreements and future course of Free Trade Agreements in Sri Lanka. Taking into account these recommendations, it has been recognized the necessity of establishing a National Trade Negotiation […]
On 24-08-2026, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the establishment of the National Trade Negotiation Committee (NTFC) and the Trade Policy Consultation Committee (TPCC) in Sri Lanka. This decision was made following the recommendations submitted by a committee reviewing the country's current Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and the future course of FTAs.
The NTFC will serve as a guiding body for trade discussions with potential bilateral or regional trade partners. The Secretary to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Food Security, and Cooperative Development has been appointed as the Chairman of the NTFC and the Chief National Trade Negotiator. Additionally, 12 subject-specific sub-committees with technical working groups will be established under the NTFC to ensure a targeted and evidence-based approach in negotiating future FTAs.
The Trade Policy Consultative Committee (TPCC) has also been established, comprising of trade experts, researchers, business community members, unions, civil societies, and relevant public officers. The TPCC will provide policy recommendations to the Cabinet of Ministers regarding relevant trade matters, inquire into sustainable ideas for FTAs, and ensure effective communication mechanisms.
The Minister in charge of international trade and the Minister in charge of the industry sector will serve as Co-Chairpersons of the TPCC.
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