A visiting delegation from the United States Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has discussed port efficiency, digitalisation and future development cooperation with Sri Lankan officials during meetings in Colombo.
According to the Sri Lankan Government, the delegation indicated that U.S. State Department approval has been obtained for proposed assistance worth US$15 million for digital infrastructure at the Port of Colombo.
The assistance is not yet final, with Congressional approval still required before it can be officially announced.
Colombo Port digitalisation
The discussions involved FMC Chair Laura DiBella, Commissioner Robert Harvey, Minister of Energy, Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka, Ministry Secretary W. W. S. Mangala and other officials.
The meeting focused on improving operational efficiency at Colombo Port, accelerating digitalisation, strengthening international cooperation for future port development and improving maritime-sector regulatory and information-management capacity.
The Minister also outlined Government plans to strengthen the Merchant Shipping Secretariat.
Assistance remains proposed
The reported US$15 million should not be described as a grant already awarded, transferred or available for spending.
The current status is: State Department-level approval reported by the Sri Lankan Government, Congressional approval still required, and official assistance announcement pending.