COLOMBO (News 1st) U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Laura DiBella and FMC Commissioner Robert J. Harvey are scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from September 6 to 10 to advance cooperation between the United States and Sri Lanka on maritime trade, investment, and the shipping networks that connect American businesses and consumers with markets across the Indo-Pacific region.
During their visit, Chairman DiBella and Commissioner Harvey are expected to hold discussions with senior Sri Lankan government officials and leaders of the maritime sector as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration in a sector that remains vital to regional and global trade.
The visit will also see Chairman DiBella deliver remarks at the 8th Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference, while Commissioner Harvey will participate as a panelist at the event.
Highlighting Sri Lanka's significance in global shipping, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer noted that more than 80 percent of the containers moving through the Port of Colombo continue onward to destinations around the world.
"Over 80 percent of the containers moving through Colombo continue on to destinations around the world, a remarkable illustration of Sri Lanka's role at the heart of Indian Ocean shipping," Ambassador Meyer said.
He added that Chairman DiBella's visit recognizes the importance of Sri Lanka's position in global maritime trade and offers an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with the people and institutions responsible for keeping vital trade routes operating across the Indo-Pacific.
"Secure and efficient shipping creates opportunities for American businesses, strengthens Sri Lanka's position as a regional hub, and supports prosperity in both our economies," Ambassador Meyer said.
Established in 1961, the Federal Maritime Commission is the independent U.S. federal agency responsible for regulating the country's international ocean transportation system on behalf of exporters, importers, and consumers. The Commission works to promote a competitive and reliable international ocean transportation system while protecting the public from unfair or deceptive practices within the shipping industry.
Chairman DiBella has led the Federal Maritime Commission since January 2026 following her nomination by President Donald J. Trump. Commissioner Harvey was sworn in on June 1, 2026, after also being nominated by President Trump.
