A special discussion was held between the Chair of the United States Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), Mrs. Laura DiBella, and Minister of Energy, Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka at the Ministry premises.
FMC Commissioner Mr. Robert Harvey, Ministry Secretary W.W.S. Mangala and other officials also participated in the discussion.
The meeting focused on enhancing operational efficiency at the Port of Colombo, accelerating digitalisation and securing international cooperation for future port development initiatives.
Minister Karunathilaka explained the measures being taken by the Government to modernise and further strengthen the Port of Colombo and Sri Lanka's maritime sector. He also noted that steps are being taken to transform the Merchant Shipping Secretariat into a stronger authority to enhance regulatory functions, information management and institutional efficiency within the maritime sector.
Mrs. DiBella is scheduled to address the 8th Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference, to be held from September 9 to 11, while Commissioner Robert Harvey will participate as a member of a discussion panel.
During the meeting, the US delegation stated that approval had been received from the US State Department for the proposed provision of US$15 million in financial assistance to develop digital infrastructure at the Port of Colombo. The assistance is expected to be officially announced once Congressional approval is received in the coming weeks.
The proposed initiatives are aimed at accelerating port operations and reducing vessel turnaround and waiting times.
The Minister also highlighted the need to expand the breakwater system for the development of the Second Western Container Terminal (WCT-2), noting that the Government is exploring support from financial institutions for the project.
The US delegation further emphasised the strategic importance of the Port of Colombo not only to Sri Lanka but also to cargo movements connected to the United States, expressing its readiness to extend maximum possible support for the development of the port.
