The Chairman of the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), Laura DiBella, will visit Sri Lanka next week as Washington seeks to deepen cooperation with Colombo on maritime trade, investment and shipping networks linking U.S. businesses and consumers with markets across the Indo-Pacific.

DiBella, accompanied by FMC Commissioner Robert J. Harvey, is scheduled to be in Sri Lanka from September 6 to 10. Their visit is expected to focus on the strategic importance of Sri Lanka’s maritime sector and Colombo’s growing role in regional and international shipping.

The two U.S. officials will hold discussions with senior Sri Lankan government officials and leaders in the maritime sector. DiBella will also deliver an address at the 8th Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference, while Harvey will participate as a panellist.

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer highlighted Colombo’s significance to international container shipping, noting that more than 80% of containers handled at the port continue to destinations elsewhere around the world.

He described Colombo’s role as “a remarkable illustration of Sri Lanka’s role at the heart of Indian Ocean shipping,” while saying DiBella’s visit would provide an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with the institutions responsible for keeping regional trade moving.

The U.S. Embassy said secure and efficient shipping networks could create opportunities for American businesses while strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a regional maritime hub and supporting economic growth in both countries.

The visit comes as Sri Lanka seeks to further capitalise on its strategic location along major East-West shipping routes and strengthen Colombo’s position as a key transshipment centre in the Indian Ocean.

Established in 1961, the FMC is an independent U.S. federal agency responsible for regulating the country’s international ocean transportation system. Its mandate includes promoting a competitive and reliable maritime transport system for U.S. exporters, importers and consumers, as well as protecting the public against unfair or deceptive practices in the shipping industry.

DiBella has headed the FMC since January 2026 after being nominated by U.S. President Donald J. Trump. Harvey was sworn in as an FMC Commissioner on June 1, 2026, following his nomination by Trump.

The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for the two countries to discuss the resilience and efficiency of maritime supply chains, as well as the wider trade and investment opportunities arising from Sri Lanka’s position at the centre of Indian Ocean shipping.