“Gateways to Growth”: US, Sri Lanka, and Maldives forge stronger maritime and trade partnerships

THE “Gateways to Growth” webinar, held virtually on 12 August, marked a significant step in strengthening economic and trade relations between the United States, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.

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The high-level event convened an influential group of diplomats, policymakers, port authorities, and more than 60 US business representatives, highlighting a shared commitment to expanding strategic and commercial partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.

Participants included US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie J. Chung, US Ambassador to the Maldives Hugo Yon, US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Director of ICT and Infrastructure Policy Ean Hundley, US Embassy in Colombo Regional Indo-Pacific Strategy Coordinator Dustin Bickel, and US Commercial Service in Chennai Principal Commercial Officer for Southern India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives Carey Arun.

They were joined by senior officials from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), led by Managing Director Engineer Ganaka Hemachandra, accompanied by Director of Marketing and Business Development U. Kumara, and Chief Engineer — Development C.L. Dasanayake, along with representatives from Maldives Ports Ltd. The event was coordinated by US Commercial Service Virginia/DC International Trade Specialist Jennifer Sosa, whose team ensured the discussions were strategically aligned with tangible trade and investment objectives.