U.S. Ambassador nominee to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer has reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to enhancing maritime domain awareness, protecting Sri Lanka’s maritime sovereignty, and strengthening port security, describing these areas as central to the U.S.–Sri Lanka partnership.
Addressing the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee recently, Meyer said Sri Lanka’s strategic location along some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes makes it a vital partner in promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific. He noted that nearly two-thirds of global seaborne crude oil and U.S. Navy vessels regularly transit waters around Sri Lanka, underscoring the island’s importance to regional security and global trade.
“If confirmed, I will work to deepen our defence and law enforcement partnerships, including in disaster response, countering transnational crime and trafficking, enhancing maritime domain awareness, and safeguarding Sri Lanka’s maritime sovereignty and port security,” Meyer told the committee.
Meyer also referred to U.S. assistance following Cyclone Ditwah, which claimed more than 600 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. He said the United States provided USD 2 million in urgent humanitarian assistance and deployed military strategic airlift capabilities, describing the response as evidence of the “strong and enduring partnership” between the two countries.
Commenting on Sri Lanka’s economic outlook, Meyer said the country has shown resilience since the economic and political crises of 2022 and is now positioned to emerge as a regional economic leader. He highlighted the Port of Colombo, ranked among the world’s top 25 ports, noting that it is expected to double its cargo-handling capacity in the coming year, creating major opportunities in ports, logistics, and shipping.
During the hearing, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator Jim Risch said Sri Lanka has made notable progress in economic reforms since 2022. He added that continued reform momentum could place the country in a strong position to attract U.S. private-sector investment and further strengthen diplomatic ties with Washington.
However, Risch expressed concern over Sri Lanka’s engagement with China, noting that Colombo, like Vietnam, has pursued closer ties with Beijing to attract foreign investment. He warned that China’s growing influence in Sri Lanka’s critical infrastructure, military, and energy sectors remains a concern.
“I understand Sri Lanka is learning its lesson and hear they may be interested in finally breaking free of China,” Risch said, adding that he sought clarity on how Meyer would counter Chinese influence in areas that could undermine a free and open Indo-Pacific.
In response, Meyer said the United States maintains an open and transparent relationship with Sri Lanka and would work with the government to help it assert its sovereignty, including over strategic assets such as ports. Acknowledging concerns over Chinese-built infrastructure, including the Hambantota Port, he said the U.S. would engage Sri Lanka through security cooperation as well as broader economic and governance support.
“If confirmed, I will work with Sri Lanka so it can assert its sovereignty and make decisions that protect its long-term interests,” Meyer said, adding that Sri Lankan leaders have expressed interest in closer cooperation with the United States—an approach Washington actively supports.
