COLOMBO, Nov. 26 -- Sri Lanka has taken a key step toward joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), with the Cabinet of Ministers granting approval to proceed with the accession process by formally responding to a detailed questionnaire issued by the bloc.

According to the post-Cabinet briefing, member states of RCEP are required to eliminate tariffs on 85% to 90% of their tariff lines, a core obligation that Sri Lanka will need to prepare for as part of its application.

Officials noted that securing membership in RCEP would open significant opportunities for the country, allowing Sri Lanka to diversify its export basket, expand market access, and strengthen its role within regional and global supply chains, a key ...