The US Embassy in Sri Lanka facilitated a high-level Sri Lankan delegation to the US Forum on Indian Ocean Ports and Supply Chains in Washington, DC, last week. Convened and funded by the US Department of State, the forum brought together Indo-Pacific partners, port operators, and US private sector leaders to leverage US technology for resilient infrastructure and secure supply chains and to expand investment across the Indian Ocean region.

Delegates from Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka explored opportunities in port development, digital transformation with essential cybersecurity, trade financing, and supply chain efficiency — reinforcing the United States’ commitment to a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Deputy Assistant Secretary Bethany Morrison opened the forum alongside senior US officials and private sector representatives, underscoring how secure and well-connected regional ports are both an economic imperative and a US national security priority.

During their visit to the United States, the Sri Lankan delegates toured the Port of Baltimore, where they met with port officials and industry stakeholders to learn about port operations, logistics, innovative equipment and digital platforms, and supply chain management practices that support one of America’s key maritime gateways.

The Sri Lankan delegation included:  Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Deputy Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation; Hanif Yusoof, Presidential Special Envoy for Foreign Direct Investment; Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake, Chairman, Sri Lanka Ports Authority; Rohan Masakorala, CEO, Shippers Academy Colombo (Pvt) Ltd; Andre Fernando, Chairman, Sri Lanka Logistics and Freight Forwarders Association; Dashma Karunaratne, Chief Commercial Officer, Colombo West International Terminal; John Shiran Dissanayake, Chairman, ABC Shipping (Private) Limited and Aritha Wickramasinghe, Chief of Staff, Office of the Presidential Special Envoy for Foreign Direct Investment.

The forum advances the United States’ strategic interest to deepen partnerships across the Indo-Pacific, connect regional governments with US private sector investment and technology, and ensure the Indo-Pacific’s critical maritime infrastructure is built on a foundation of transparency, trust, and shared prosperity.

Sri Lanka Customs yesterday said that vehicle imports have not shown a significant decline despite the surcharge imposed earlier this year, with imported vehicles continuing to enter the market.

Customs spokesperson Chandana Punchihewa, addressing the media, noted that although a large number of imported vehicles remain unsold, import volumes have not dropped as expected, and the marginal reduction observed has not had any impact on state revenue.

He said vehicle imports account for around 30 per cent of total Customs revenue.

Providing monthly figures, he said Customs revenue stood at Rs. 235 billion in January, of which Rs. 91 billion came from vehicle imports; Rs. 215 billion in February, with Rs. 75 billion from vehicles; Rs. 231.9 billion in March, with Rs. 77 billion from vehicles; Rs. 242.9 billion in April, with Rs. 84 billion from vehicles; and Rs. 212 billion up to May 28, of which Rs. 76 billion was generated from vehicle imports.

Punchihewa added that the recent rise in the US dollar, partly driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, had increased the rupee value of Customs taxes, thereby boosting revenue rather than reducing it.

He further noted that vehicle imports accounted for 30–35 per cent of Customs revenue last year as well, a trend that continues this year.

“Despite the surcharge, no reduction has been reported as previously expected,” he said.

As part of its ongoing partnership with Sri Lanka on climate action and sustainable development, the European Union supported the Ministry of Environment in revising the National Green Reporting System (NGRS) Guidelines through the EU-funded ‘Accelerating Industries’ Climate Response in Sri Lanka (AICRSL)’ project, implemented by United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).

 The revised guidelines align with internationally recognised sustainability reporting frameworks and will help strengthen transparency, accountability, and sustainability performance across Sri Lanka’s public and private sectors. The new guidelines were officially launched by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, at the National Environment Day celebrations held at Temple Trees.

Originally introduced in 2011 through support provided by the European Union-funded SWITCH-Asia Programme, the National Green Reporting System has now been modernised to align with the latest international sustainability reporting practices. The revised guidelines are based on the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards and are designed to support organisations in reporting their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance in line with globally recognised frameworks.

“The European Union has been a long-standing partner in promoting sustainable consumption and production in Sri Lanka, from supporting the development of the first Green Reporting System to backing its revision through this project. By aligning the National Green Reporting System with globally recognised standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative standards, we are supporting Sri Lankan companies generate robust, comparable environmental, social, and governance data, demonstrate compliance with evolving EU and global sustainability requirements, and preserve and expand their access to high-value international markets,” said Dr Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation, Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka.

The National Green Reporting System provides a practical, voluntary reporting platform for organisations across manufacturing, commercial, and service sectors to measure, manage, and disclose their sustainability performance. By enhancing transparency and accountability, the system will help businesses improve operational efficiency, strengthen stakeholder trust, attract investment, manage risks more effectively, and identify new market opportunities.

“The launch of the revised National Green Reporting System demonstrates Sri Lanka’s commitment to sustainable and climate-resilient economic development,” said Dr. Jagathdeva Vidanagama, Chief Technical Specialist of the AICRSL Project. “As global markets increasingly value transparency and sustainability performance, the NGRS provides Sri Lankan organisations with a practical pathway to align with international standards, strengthen competitiveness, and contribute meaningfully to national and global sustainability goals.”

Through its partnership with the Ministry of Environment and UNIDO, the European Union remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s transition towards a greener, more resource-efficient, and competitive economy.