COLOMBO, Aug. 28, 2025 (ePRESS) – A staff delegation from the United States Congress’ House Democracy Partnership met with the Chairman and Management Team of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) at its Colombo headquarters to discuss the future of the Port of Colombo.
Talks focused on the port’s operations, priorities, ongoing initiatives, and challenges ahead. The U.S. delegation showed strong interest in the port’s role as a key maritime hub in the Indian Ocean. After the meeting, the visitors toured the Port of Colombo to gain first-hand insights into its facilities and operations.
The U.S. team included Jayne Howell, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Derek Luyten, Executive Director of the House Democracy Partnership, Chase Babair, Majority Staff Lead, Colby Harriman, Minority Staff Lead, Erik Ashida, Professional Staff Member of the Committee on Foreign Affairs (Minority), Ryan Schindler, Lead Military Escort, Adam Michelow of the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, and Dustin Bickel, Regional Indo-Pacific Strategy Coordinator.
SLPA officials underlined the strategic importance of the Port of Colombo as South Asia’s leading transshipment hub. They also outlined opportunities for cooperation in port modernization, digitalization, green port initiatives, and human capital development.
Both sides discussed ways to boost maritime sector collaboration, knowledge exchange, and bilateral engagement between Sri Lanka and the United States.
The visit highlighted the commitment of both nations to deepen mutual understanding and explore future partnerships in maritime trade and logistics.
