The Colombo Plan supports Sri Lanka’s port sector modernisation through US-funded Maritime Advisory Program
The Colombo Plan Secretariat continues its close collaboration with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) under the US-funded Maritime Advisory Program (MAP), a flagship initiative aimed at enhancing the efficiency, security, and global competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s maritime sector.
Funded by the US Embassy in Colombo since 2024, MAP supports SLPA in adopting international best practices and advanced port technologies, thereby improving efficiency, reducing logistical costs for manufacturers and consumers, and positioning the Port of Colombo to remain South Asia’s primary transshipment hub. With a focus on innovation and connectivity, the initiative plays a critical role in improving cargo handling capacity, safety protocols, and digital transformation within port operations.
One of the landmark achievements under MAP was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between SLPA and the Virginia Ports Authority in the United States in 2024. This milestone underscores the US Government’s sustained commitment to strengthening maritime partnerships and supporting Sri Lanka’s role in regional and global trade.
In a continuation of this partnership, a ten-member SLPA delegation will participate in the Terminal Operators Conference (TOC) and Exhibition in Rotterdam, Netherlands, from 16 to 19 June. Led by officials from the Colombo Plan, this delegation will engage with more than 14 US companies and hundreds of global maritime leaders showcasing cutting-edge terminal automation and port technology.
TOC Europe is one of the premier international forums in the maritime calendar. It offers Sri Lankan delegates unparalleled opportunities to explore emerging trends in automated terminal management and learn about global best practices from industry leaders. The event also supports the ongoing development of the Port of Colombo’s East Container Terminal (ECT), Sri Lanka’s first semi-automated container terminal, expected to be operational in the near future.
In addition to participating in the conference, the SLPA delegation will undertake a study visit to the Port of Rotterdam — Europe’s largest seaport — to observe integrated logistics systems and transshipment models that connect the European hinterland with global trade routes, including direct connections to the United States.
The Colombo Plan’s facilitation of this engagement reinforces its dedication to institutional development and regional connectivity, while the US Government’s continued support underscores its strategic investment in Sri Lanka’s economic resilience and maritime future.
