The Chairman of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Mr. Keith Bernard met officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation on 6/04/2023 at the Chairman’s office at HQ Colombo.

Officials of the U.S. Department of Transportation discussed on further collaboration between the U. S Department of Transportation and SLPA.The Chairman of SLPA Mr.Bernard at the discussions updated the U.S. officials on future developments of the Port of Colombo (POC) and especially, the East Container Terminal ( ECT )and the West Container Terminal (WCT). He also talked of the development of logistic facilities in the Port of Colombo and emphasized the need of further training and required areas of training in the sector for SLPA staff personnel.

The Chairman also thanked the outgoing Consultant Mr. Brian Varney, Senior Advisor, Maritime Administration, U.S. Dept. of Transportation for his service and contribution to Sri Lanka's maritime and transportation sector. He welcomed Mr. Joseph C. Traini, Senior Regional Manager, Asia Pacific, US Department of Transportation Office of the Secretary as the incoming Consultant.

Officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation confirmed assistance to SLPA to develop various areas of the Port Sector and assured on strengthening the relationship with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

From left SLPA’s Harbour Master - Capt. Nirmal De Silva, Director ( BD & M) - Mr. Sarath Dayananada, Managing Director - Mr. Susatha Abeysiriwardena, Vice Chairman - Mr. Gayan Algewattege, Chairman - Mr Keith D Bernard, U.S. Department of Transportation’s Senior Advisor - Mr Brian Varney, Senior Regional Manager, Asia Pacific - Mr.Joseph C. Traini, Commercial/ Economic Assistant, Economic Affair Division, US Embassy Colombo - Ms.Thiloma Abayanayaka, , Foreign Policy Advisor, US Department of transportation - Mr.Luke Zahner and Reginal EXBS advisor – Ms.Sarah Welsh.