Sri Lanka is set to host a significant milestone in international maritime engagement when Laura DiBella, Chairman of the United States Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), visits Colombo for the 8th Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference (CIMC 2026).

Scheduled from 9 to 11 September 2026 at the Radisson Blu Hotel Galadari Colombo, the three-day event will bring together global maritime leaders, policymakers, investors and logistics professionals to examine developments reshaping international shipping and supply chains.

DiBella’s participation is particularly significant as it represents a landmark appearance by serving US maritime leadership in South Asia. She is expected to address the conference on 9 September, providing perspectives on US maritime policy, international ocean transportation and emerging challenges facing global supply chains.

The conference, themed “Building a world around us,” will explore Sri Lanka’s potential to strengthen its position as a major maritime, transhipment and logistics hub serving South Asia and global trade routes.

Discussions will cover port development, supply chain resilience, maritime technology, artificial intelligence, cyber security, trade regulations, investment opportunities, green shipping, logistics infrastructure and regional connectivity.

Robert J. Harvey, Commissioner of the US Federal Maritime Commission, is also expected to participate, adding further weight to the American delegation.

With Colombo strategically positioned along major East-West shipping routes, the high-level US participation is expected to strengthen dialogue between Sri Lanka, the United States and the wider international maritime community while highlighting new opportunities for investment, trade and logistics collaboration.