The US is preparing a $15m assistance package to upgrade digital infrastructure at the Port of Colombo as Sri Lanka looks to cut vessel waiting times and sharpen the gateway’s operational performance.
Sri Lanka’s government said US Federal Maritime Commission chair Laura DiBella and commissioner Robert Harvey disclosed during talks in Colombo that the proposed funding has received approval from the US State Department. Congressional approval is still required before the assistance can be formally announced.
The planned investment is aimed at accelerating port operations, digitalising infrastructure and reducing vessel turnaround and waiting times. No details have yet been released on the individual systems or technology suppliers that would be covered by the programme.
DiBella and Harvey met Sri Lanka’s minister of energy, ports and civil aviation Anura Karunathilaka and senior ministry officials on September 8 as part of a wider discussion on port efficiency and future infrastructure development.
The talks also touched on Colombo’s next physical expansion. Karunathilaka said the government is examining financing options for an extension of the port’s breakwater needed to support the planned second West Container Terminal, although no funding commitment for that project was announced.
Colombo has been expanding at a rapid clip. Sri Lanka Ports Authority said the port handled 4.44m TEU in the first half of 2026, up 11.9% year on year, after setting an annual record of around 8.29m TEU in 2025. The first-half growth lifted Colombo to 20th place among the world’s largest container ports.
The US move comes as Washington steps up maritime engagement with Sri Lanka. DiBella is in Colombo this week for the Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference, with the FMC confirming her September 9 appearance.
