U.S. Special Representative for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor visited the Port of Colombo on March 21, highlighting how cooperation between Washington and Colombo is improving supply-chain integrity and securing trade routes. Observing port operations with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority chairman, Gor emphasized the port’s role as a critical hub linking South Asia to global markets and said U.S. support aims to advance transparent, efficient trade and protect supply chains that affect U.S. manufacturers and consumers.
During the visit, U.S. and Sri Lankan officials underscored deepening maritime security cooperation. Gor reviewed strategic naval assets and discussed planned vessel transfers with Sri Lankan counterparts. He joined Sri Lanka Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Damian Fernando aboard SLNS Gajabahu, a former U.S. Coast Guard cutter now in Sri Lankan service, symbolizing the long-standing maritime partnership. The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka said a fourth former U.S. Coast Guard cutter, ex-DECISIVE, is currently en route to Sri Lanka to further bolster maritime security and regional cooperation.
Gor also held high-level talks with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on strengthening bilateral ties and on Sri Lanka’s position amid the escalating West Asia crisis. The visit followed the March 4 sinking of Iran’s IRIS Dena south of Sri Lanka, which was reportedly struck by a U.S. submarine torpedo about 20 nautical miles west of Galle, a development that provided additional strategic context for discussions on maritime security and economic cooperation.
U.S. Pacific Command described the engagement as part of broader efforts to safeguard vital sea lanes, secure ports, reinforce trade ties, and advance a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Sri Lanka’s President’s Media Division said the meetings covered the country’s stance on the Middle East conflict and its regional implications.
Gor’s visit to Sri Lanka is part of a regional tour. He is scheduled to continue to the Maldives on a five-day trip to pursue high-level talks aimed at expanding cooperation across the Indian Ocean region.
(Report compiled from a syndicated feed.)
