U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Laura DiBella and Commissioner Robert J. Harvey are scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from September 6 to 10 to strengthen cooperation between the two countries on maritime trade, investment and shipping networks across the Indo-Pacific.
During the visit, the U.S. officials are expected to meet senior Sri Lankan government and maritime sector representatives.
Chairman DiBella will deliver remarks at the 8th Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference, while Commissioner Harvey will participate as a panelist.
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer said Colombo’s role in global shipping highlights Sri Lanka’s importance to maritime trade, noting that more than 80% of containers moving through Colombo continue to destinations around the world.
He said the visit would provide an opportunity to deepen cooperation with Sri Lankan institutions involved in keeping maritime trade moving across the Indo-Pacific.
The FMC, established in 1961, is an independent U.S. federal agency responsible for regulating the country’s international ocean transportation system and promoting a competitive and reliable shipping sector.
DiBella has served as FMC Chairman since January 2026, while Harvey was sworn in as a Commissioner on June 1, 2026. Both were nominated by U.S. President Donald J. Trump.
