Colombo [Sri Lanka], March 21 (ANI): U.S. Special Representative for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor visited the Port of Colombo and highlighted how the Washington-Colombo partnership is strengthening supply-chain integrity and securing trade. In a post on X, Gor said: “Watching operations alongside the @SLPAuthority Chairman at the Port of Colombo, it’s clear how this critical hub connects South Asia to global markets–and why maritime security here matters. That’s why the U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership is helping advance secure and transparent trade, support ongoing efforts to improve port efficiency, and protect the integrity of supply chains that have a direct impact on the bottom line for U.S. manufacturers and consumers.”
On Friday, U.S. and Sri Lankan officials emphasized their deepening maritime security cooperation as Gor reviewed strategic naval assets and planned vessel transfers. The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka noted Gor joined Sri Lanka Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Damian Fernando aboard SLNS Gajabahu, a former U.S. Coast Guard cutter now in Sri Lanka Navy service, symbolizing the longstanding maritime partnership. The embassy added that a fourth former U.S. Coast Guard cutter—ex-DECISIVE—is currently en route to Sri Lanka to further expand maritime security and regional cooperation.
Gor also held high-level talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on strengthening bilateral ties and Sri Lanka’s stance amid the escalating West Asia crisis. The visit followed the sinking of Iran’s IRIS Dena south of Sri Lanka on March 4 after it was struck by a U.S. submarine torpedo about 20 nautical miles west of Galle, underscoring the strategic context for discussions on maritime security and economic cooperation.
U.S. Pacific Command described the engagement as part of efforts to safeguard vital sea lanes, secure ports, reinforce trade ties, and advance a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. The President’s Media Division said the talks covered Sri Lanka’s position on the Middle East conflict and its regional implications. After Sri Lanka, Gor is scheduled to visit the Maldives on a five-day regional tour to pursue high-level talks on advancing cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region. (ANI)
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