December 14, Colombo (LNW): The United States’ nominee to serve as ambassador to Sri Lanka has outlined Washington’s intention to deepen engagement with Colombo through maritime cooperation, economic reform and strategic balance in the Indian Ocean, as the island nation continues to rebuild after years of economic turmoil and recent natural disasters.
Appearing before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, nominee Eric Meyer told lawmakers that Sri Lanka’s location along major global sea routes places it at the centre of American strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific.
He said the United States views the country as a key partner in safeguarding freedom of navigation and maintaining regional stability, while also addressing the expanding footprint of rival powers, particularly China.
Meyer highlighted that some of the world’s busiest shipping corridors pass close to Sri Lanka, with a large share of global energy shipments and frequent US naval movements transiting nearby waters. This, he said, gives Sri Lanka heightened importance in efforts to promote open, rules-based maritime access.
If confirmed, Meyer said his immediate priority would be the safety and welfare of American citizens in Sri Lanka. He also pointed to the US response following Cyclone Ditwah earlier this year, noting that Washington had provided emergency funding and logistical support, including military airlift capabilities, to assist relief operations. He described the assistance as a reflection of a durable partnership between the two countries.
Turning to the economy, Meyer said Sri Lanka had demonstrated resilience following its 2022 financial collapse and had the potential to emerge as a regional economic hub. He drew attention to planned expansions at the Port of Colombo, suggesting that increased capacity could significantly boost the country’s role in global trade.
He also stressed the importance of continuing reforms under Sri Lanka’s International Monetary Fund programme, arguing that long-term economic stability strengthens national independence. Sustained reform, he said, would also create conditions for greater American investment and closer commercial ties.
During the hearing, committee chairman Senator Jim Risch referred to China’s involvement in Sri Lanka’s port infrastructure as a cautionary example for other countries. Meyer responded by saying the United States supports transparent and balanced partnerships and would encourage Sri Lanka to assert control over its strategic assets, including ports.
Meyer added that defence and law enforcement collaboration would remain central to bilateral relations, particularly in areas such as disaster response, combating transnational crime, improving maritime surveillance and enhancing port security. He said the US aims to work with Sri Lanka to protect sea lanes, expand trade opportunities and support the country’s growing role in regional security.
Sri Lanka plunged into its worst economic crisis in decades in 2022, marked by debt default, severe shortages and political unrest. Since then, the government has pursued IMF-backed reforms to stabilise the economy, while navigating competing interests from major powers amid rising strategic rivalry in the Indian Ocean.
