A Sri Lankan delegation led by Ambassador Mahinda Samarasinghe participated in the Montana Security and Economic Summit 2026, engaging US counterparts on trade, investment, education and security cooperation.
The visit was undertaken at the invitation of Montana Governor Greg Gianforte and senior officials of the Montana National Guard. Talks over four days focused on disaster preparedness, maritime and port security, and economic collaboration in sectors including critical minerals and food security.
The Governor and Ambassador highlighted the long-standing partnership between Sri Lanka and Montana, including support extended during past disaster response efforts.
Discussions with the University of Montana explored academic cooperation in disaster mitigation, flood management and wildfire analysis, while engagements with the World Trade Center Montana centred on expanding foreign direct investment and trade opportunities. The delegation also held talks with private sector stakeholders across mining, engineering, environmental management and aviation security.
Officials said the outcomes are expected to pave the way for enhanced bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and security.
The summit comes at a critical juncture for Sri Lanka–US economic relations, with the 44 per cent Trump tariff creating uncertainty for Sri Lankan exporters. The visit also follows recent bilateral trade discussions facilitated by AmCham Sri Lanka and coincides with the IMF Spring Meetings in Washington where Sri Lanka’s delegation is negotiating fiscal framework terms.
