United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Eric Stern Meyer visited the Port of Colombo and met with senior officials of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, including Chairman Dr Parakrama Dissanayake, to announce a US$ 17 million grant supporting the modernisation of Sri Lanka’s Maritime Single Window and Port Community System.
The meeting was also attended by Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka and Ministry Secretary W.W.S. Mangala.
The grant is intended to enhance the digital infrastructure supporting maritime documentation, regulatory processes and information exchange among key stakeholders across the maritime sector.
Planned improvements aim to strengthen coordination among the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Sri Lanka Customs, shipping lines, terminal operators and other agencies involved in port operations, with enhanced digital integration expected to streamline administrative procedures, facilitate cargo clearance and improve operational efficiency.
The initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening digital connectivity and trade facilitation at the Port of Colombo, one of the Indian Ocean’s major transshipment hubs, supporting more efficient port operations and improved coordination across the agencies and stakeholders serving Sri Lanka’s maritime and logistics sector.
