US approves $15 million for Colombo Port digital infrastructure

US+approves+%2415+million+for+Colombo+Port+digital+infrastructure

The United States has approved US$15 million in financial assistance to support the development of digital infrastructure at the Port of Colombo, according to US Federal Maritime Commission Chairperson Laura DiBella.

DiBella said the funding has been approved by the US State Department and is expected to be formally announced in the coming weeks once it receives congressional approval. She made the remarks during a meeting between a US delegation led by her and Sri Lanka’s Minister of Energy, Ports and Civil Aviation, Anura Karunathilaka.

The meeting was held at the Ministry and was attended by Federal Maritime Commissioner Robert Harvey, Ministry Secretary W. W. S. Mangala and other senior officials.

The US delegation said strengthening digital infrastructure at the Colombo Port would improve operational efficiency and help reduce vessel turnaround times. It also highlighted the port’s strategic importance as a major cargo hub serving not only Sri Lanka but also trade connected to the United States.

The delegation expressed its willingness to provide strong support for the continued development of the Colombo Port. Minister Karunathilaka said the Government is working to improve the port’s operational efficiency, accelerate its digital transformation and obtain international support for future development projects.

The Minister also said steps have been initiated to strengthen the Merchant Shipping Secretariat and transform it into a more empowered authority capable of supporting the further development of Sri Lanka’s maritime sector.

Meanwhile, Karunathilaka said the Government is seeking financial assistance to expand the port’s breakwater system, which is considered important for the development of the second West Container Terminal (WCT-2).

DiBella is scheduled to address the 8th Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference, which will take place from September 9 to 11. Commissioner Robert Harvey is also expected to join the conference as a panelist.