President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as U.S. ambassador to Sri Lanka, Eric Meyer, said that protecting vital Indian Ocean sea lanes, promoting economic reforms and countering China’s growing regional influence would be central to his mission if confirmed.
Testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Meyer underscored Sri Lanka’s strategic importance, noting its position along some of the world’s busiest shipping routes. U.S. Navy vessels and about two-thirds of the world’s seaborne crude oil regularly pass through nearby waters, he said.
“Sri Lanka sits astride some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean,” Meyer told the committee, calling the island nation a focal point for U.S. efforts to advance a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and push back against adversarial influence, including from China.
If confirmed, Meyer said he would prioritize safeguarding waterways and ports, expanding commercial opportunities for U.S. companies and supporting Sri Lanka’s maritime and economic sovereignty.
He pledged to work closely with government and industry partners to protect U.S. security and commercial interests across the region.
Meyer opened his testimony by addressing the humanitarian crisis triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, saying the safety of U.S. citizens in Sri Lanka would be his top immediate concern.
He noted that Washington has committed $2 million in emergency assistance and has used U.S. military airlift capabilities to support relief operations.
Meyer highlighted planned expansions at the Port of Colombo, which he said ranks among the world’s top 25 ports and is expected to double its cargo-handling capacity within the next year.
He said the United States would continue encouraging economic reforms in Sri Lanka aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and attracting investment.
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