Sri Lankan Government reporting has provided further clarification on the proposed US$15 million in U.S. assistance for digital infrastructure at the Port of Colombo.
A visiting U.S. Federal Maritime Commission delegation stated that U.S. State Department approval has been received for the proposed financial assistance.
However, the assistance is not yet finally approved or disbursed.
The Government says an official announcement is expected only after U.S. Congressional approval is obtained.
Purpose
The proposed support is intended to help strengthen digital infrastructure at the Port of Colombo, with the broader objective of:
- improving operational efficiency;
- accelerating port digitalisation; and
- reducing vessel turnaround and waiting times.
Context
The discussions took place during a meeting involving U.S. Federal Maritime Commission Chair Laura DiBella, Commissioner Robert Harvey and Sri Lankan officials.