The United States has confirmed a USD17 million grant to improve Sri Lanka’s Maritime Single Window and Port Community System, supporting digital processes at Port of Colombo.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Stern Meyer announced the funding during a visit to the port just recently, when he met senior Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) officials, including Chairman Dr Parakrama Dissanayake.
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The proposed funding will support infrastructure for handling maritime documentation, regulatory procedures and information sharing among organisations involved in port operations.
The improvements are intended to help the SLPA, Customs, shipping lines, terminal operators and other agencies coordinate their activities more effectively.
Closer integration of maritime data and administrative processes could reduce paperwork and improve cargo clearance, while supporting more efficient vessel and cargo operations.
The announcement focuses on digital systems supporting port operations and trade facilitation at Colombo, a major Indian Ocean transhipment hub.
Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation and Minister of Energy, also attended the meeting, alongside W. W. S. Mangala, Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation.