⚓ US Maritime Regulator Praises Sri Lanka’s Supply Chain Resilience, Offers Direct Cooperation

• High Endorsement: Speaking at the International Maritime Conference 2026 in Colombo, US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Commissioner Robert J. Harvey commended Sri Lanka’s resilience, noting global supply chains would be in better shape if they matched it. • Role in US Trade: Harvey highlighted that US-bound cargo journeys frequently originate thousands of miles away in locations like Sri Lanka, underscoring the island nation's crucial position in maritime & logistics networks. • Active Enforcement: The FMC is taking an "increasingly assertive stance" to investigate supply chain chokepoints—at origins, routes, or terminals—utilizing its regulatory and quasi-judicial authority to protect American cargo flow transparently. • Bilateral Cooperation: Extending an open door for collaboration, the FMC invited the Sri Lankan Government to deepen bilateral engagement through direct dialogue and knowledge sharing to safeguard international trade routes.