High-Level Talks Between Sri Lanka and the United States
09-Sep-2026.
A special discussion between Sri Lanka’s Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka and Federal Maritime Commission Chairperson Laura DiBella of the United States was held at the Ministry premises.
US Federal Maritime Commissioner Robert Harvey and Ministry Secretary W.W.S. Mangala also participated in the meeting.
During the discussion, Minister Karunathilaka explained the steps being taken by the Government to improve the operational efficiency of the Port of Colombo, accelerate digitalisation and secure international cooperation for future port development projects.
He also said that steps had been initiated to transform the Merchant Shipping Secretariat into a stronger and more authoritative institution, with the primary objectives of improving information regulation and strengthening institutional capacity.
The US delegation said that the US Department of State had approved financial assistance of US$15 million to improve the digital infrastructure of the Port of Colombo.
An official announcement regarding the assistance is expected once approval is obtained from the US Congress in the coming weeks. The funding is expected to accelerate port operations and reduce vessel turnaround times.
Minister Karunathilaka also said that, as the expansion of the breakwater is essential for the development of the Port of Colombo’s second West Terminal, the Government was taking steps to secure the cooperation of financial institutions for the project.
The US delegation assured that it was ready to provide all necessary cooperation for the development of the Port of Colombo, noting that the port is an important hub not only for Sri Lanka but also for cargo transportation between Sri Lanka and the United States.
Meanwhile, Laura DiBella is scheduled to deliver an address at the eighth Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference, scheduled to be held from September 9 to 11, while Commissioner Robert Harvey will participate as a panellist.
Established in 1961, the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) is an independent agency responsible for regulating the international maritime transportation system of the United States.
