US, Sri Lanka, Maldives advance maritime infrastructure

The US, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives are advancing regional port and logistics cooperation, following a high-level virtual forum that outlined major infrastructure investments.
The event, held on 12 August, brought together US ambassadors to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, representatives from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), the US Commercial Service, and senior officials from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and Maldives Ports Limited.
Discussion centred on Sri Lanka’s positioning as a regional maritime and logistics hub, with emphasis on Colombo Port’s transshipment role and expansion plans.
The Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA) presented its strategy to increase Colombo’s container handling capacity to 25 million TEUs by 2030 through projects including the West Container Terminal, East Container Terminal, and North Port.
Plans for Trincomalee’s industrial development, the Galle Port cruise terminal, and Kankesanthurai (KKS) harbour rehabilitation were also outlined, along with procurement of hybrid equipment, digital systems, and renewable energy integration.
The DFC highlighted its investment tools — such as debt financing and political risk insurance — and its current Indo-Pacific portfolio valued at $8.88 billion.
Its support aligns with infrastructure and technology priorities in both Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
The event identified potential areas for US private sector engagement in logistics, infrastructure, marine services, and technology integration.
In July, SLPA delegation visited the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to advance cooperation on port operations, digital innovation, and sustainability.