US maritime officials to visit Sri Lanka to strengthen shipping cooperation
COLOMBO – US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Laura DiBella and Commissioner Robert J. Harvey are set to visit Sri Lanka from September 6 to 10, in a five-day visit aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries on maritime trade, investment and shipping networks linking US businesses and consumers with markets across the Indo-Pacific.
During the visit, DiBella and Harvey are expected to meet senior Sri Lankan government officials and maritime sector leaders.
DiBella will deliver remarks at the eighth Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference, while Harvey will participate in a panel discussion at the conference.

Chairman Laura DiBella
– US Embassy/Colombo
The visit comes as Colombo continues to play a significant role in regional maritime trade, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer said, noting, “Over 80% 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”.
He said DiBella’s visit recognized Sri Lanka’s importance to Indian Ocean shipping and would provide an opportunity to strengthen cooperation with institutions involved in facilitating maritime trade 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,” Meyer said.
Established in 1961, the FMC is an independent US federal agency responsible for regulating the country’s international ocean transportation system for the benefit of exporters, importers and consumers.
The commission works to promote a competitive and reliable international ocean transportation system and protect the public from unfair or deceptive practices in the shipping industry.
DiBella has led the FMC since January 2026 after being nominated by US President Donald Trump. She previously served as Florida’s Secretary of Commerce, President and CEO of Enterprise Florida and held senior economic development positions in the state.
Her maritime career began with the Port of Fernandina Ocean Highway and Port Authority in Florida, where she later served as executive director. She has worked on port development projects and policies aimed at strengthening maritime commerce.

Commissioner
Robert J. Harvey
– US Embassy/Colombo
Harvey was sworn in as an FMC commissioner on June 1, 2026, following his nomination by Trump. He previously held senior legal, investment and economic development positions in Florida, including as President and Executive Director of the Florida Opportunity Fund.
He has a particular interest in international maritime law, including freedom of navigation and the right of innocent passage, as well as emerging maritime technologies related to fleet and route optimisation, navigation, cybersecurity, secure communications and predictive maintenance.
-ENCL
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