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

DiBella said the funding has received approval from the US State Department and is expected to be officially announced once congressional approval is secured in the coming weeks. The announcement came during a meeting between a US delegation led by DiBella and Minister of Energy, Ports, and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka.

The meeting, held at the Ministry, was attended by Federal Maritime Commissioner Robert Harvey, Ministry Secretary W W S Mangala and other officials. The US delegation said the development of digital infrastructure at the Port of Colombo would help improve operational efficiency and reduce vessel turnaround times.

The delegation also highlighted the strategic importance of the Colombo Port as a major hub for cargo linked not only to Sri Lanka but also to the United States, and expressed its readiness to provide maximum support for the port’s development. Minister Karunathilaka said the Government is taking steps to improve the operational efficiency of the Colombo Port, accelerate digitalisation and secure international assistance for future port development projects.

He also revealed that the Government has begun a process to strengthen the Merchant Shipping Secretariat and transform it into a more empowered authority to further develop Sri Lanka’s maritime sector. Meanwhile, the Minister said the Government is seeking financial support for the expansion of the breakwater system, which is considered essential for the development of the second West Container Terminal (WCT-2) at the Colombo Port.

DiBella is scheduled to address the 8 Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference, which will be held from 9 to 11 September. Commissioner Robert Harvey is also expected to participate in the conference as a panelist.