US embassy cable - 04COLOMBO1736

C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 001736 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR SA/INS J.BRENNIG; PLEASE PASS TO 
USTR:A.WILLS AND J.ROSENBAUM, COMMERCE: A.STERN, MCC: 
S.GROFF 
 
DEPARTMENT PASS USTR 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/20/2014 
TAGS: ETRD, ECON, CVIS, CE, ECONOMICS 
SUBJECT: TRADE MINISTER LOOKS TO TIFA TO BOLSTER TIES TO US 
EXPORTERS 
 
REF: A. COLOMBO 1620 
     B. COLOMBO 1727 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Jeffrey J. Lunstead. Reasons 1.4 b and e 
 
1. (C) Action request para 2.  During a brief meeting on 
October 19, requested by the Ambassador prior to GSL team's 
departure for Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) 
talks in Washington, Commerce Minister Fernandopulle told 
Ambassador he hoped the trip would provide an opportunity to 
outline GSL plans on the economy and steps it has taken on 
market liberalization, and to meet with US exporters.  In 
particular: 
 
--Fernandopulle would like to meet with exporters of poultry 
(Sri Lanka is in the process of lifting the ban due to HPAI), 
wheat flour and pulses (Fernandopulle specifically mentioned 
masoor dhal, a red lentil dhal which we believe is grown in 
the US. Dhal is a staple in Sri Lankan diets.). 
 
--Fernandopulle will also tout his office's efforts on behalf 
of US companies (GTech) and IPR issues.  Ambassador raised 
issues surrounding companies in the power sector, with which 
Fernandopulle was unfamiliar, but candidly referred to as 
"the most corrupt bureaucracy in Sri Lanka." 
 
--Fernandopulle will also likely ask for expedited US 
approval of the revised visa reciprocity schedule. The GSL 
cabinet recently approved a change in fee structure and 
validity, now allowing US travelers to get 5-year multiple 
entry visas for US$100 (current schedule is a one-year visa 
at a total cost of US$ 195).    Post requested approval to 
reciprocate in ref A.  CA has forwarded the proposal to DHS 
which has the responsibility for final approval. 
 
A more thorough discussion of overall issues surrounding TIFA 
talks are in ref B. 
 
2. (SBU) Action Requests: 1) Post requests that Department 
and Commerce work with Ambassador Subasinghe in Washington to 
arrange meetings with poultry and grain export 
representatives or associations for Fernandopulle.  US wheat 
imports comprised 35% of the market last year. One US firm, 
Commercial Lynks is already a major exporter in pulses to Sri 
Lanka.  The US Poultry and Egg Association has also expressed 
keen interest in the Sri Lanka market.  2) Also, that efforts 
be made to note to DHS the high-level interest and trade 
benefits of the visa reciprocity issue in Sri Lanka. 
LUNSTEAD