U.S. ambassador announces US$17 million grant for Colombo port digital systems

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka H. E. Eric Stern Meyer has announced a US$17 million grant to improve Sri Lanka's Maritime Single Window and Port Community System, aimed at modernising maritime documentation and strengthening coordination among port, customs and shipping authorities.

Meyer made the announcement this morning during a visit to the Port of Colombo, where he met senior management of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), including Chairman Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake. Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy Anura Karunathilaka and Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation W. W. S. Mangala also attended.

The proposed funding will support digital infrastructure for maritime documentation, regulatory procedures and information exchange among port stakeholders. The planned improvements are expected to strengthen coordination among the SLPA, Customs, shipping lines, terminal operators and other agencies involved in port operations.

Better integration of maritime data and administrative processes could reduce paperwork, improve cargo clearance and enhance the efficiency of vessel and cargo operations. The initiative focuses on strengthening the digital systems that support port operations and trade facilitation at the Port of Colombo, a major transshipment hub in the Indian Ocean.