US Announces $17 Million Investment to Digitise Colombo Port and Improve Efficiency

The United States has officially announced a US$17 million investment to digitalise operations at the Port of Colombo, with the aim of improving efficiency, reducing shipping costs and delays, and strengthening the port’s position as a leading maritime trade hub in South Asia.

The project, to be implemented in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), will introduce two integrated digital platforms designed to streamline port operations, reduce cargo-processing delays and facilitate the electronic exchange of information among stakeholders.

Two Major Digital Systems

Under US government funding, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority will develop two key systems: the Maritime Single Window and the Port Community System.

The platforms are expected to reduce paperwork and improve information-sharing among shipping companies, customs officials, immigration authorities, port operators and businesses. The initiative aims to make port procedures more efficient while reducing administrative burdens and operational costs.

Strengthening Trade and Economic Ties

The Port of Colombo handles cargo linked to more than US$30 billion in annual US trade, highlighting its importance to commercial relations between the two countries.

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer said the digitalisation initiative would help save time and reduce shipping costs, benefiting businesses and consumers in both countries.

The investment is expected to support smoother cargo movement, improve the reliability of port services and strengthen Colombo’s role in international supply chains.

Minister Highlights Importance of Modernisation

Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka expressed his appreciation to the US government for providing the funding, describing the initiative as an important step towards improving the efficiency of Sri Lanka’s port operations.

He said the Maritime Single Window system would enable a wide range of stakeholders to benefit from streamlined procedures. He also emphasised the importance of improving operational capacity and efficiency through the integration of digital systems with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s existing processes.

The Minister noted that the future of the Port of Colombo depended not only on expanding physical infrastructure but also on modernising its operational systems. He added that the project would help improve trade facilitation in Sri Lanka and strengthen the country’s links with international markets.

SLPA Emphasises Regional Competitiveness

Sri Lanka Ports Authority Chairman Dr Parakrama Dissanayake said modernising the Port of Colombo was essential to maintaining its position as a leading maritime and logistics hub in the region.

He noted that the new digital platforms would help eliminate unnecessary delays and enable the port to deliver more reliable services to shipping companies and other stakeholders.

Technology Procurement Process

US technology companies are expected to be selected through an open and competitive process to provide the software, hardware and technical expertise required for the project.

The initiative is intended to support a more efficient, digitally connected port environment, improving cargo handling and strengthening Colombo’s competitiveness as a regional maritime gateway.