The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding trade and investment with Sri Lanka, while calling on the government to address regulatory unpredictability, bureaucratic barriers and opaque procurement practices that continue to deter American businesses.
Charge D’Affaires Jayne Howell of the US Embassy in Sri Lanka made these remarks at a CEO Forum held recently, outlining Washington’s vision for a deeper economic partnership with Colombo.
Investment climate must improve
Howell acknowledged the Sri Lankan government’s efforts to strengthen the investment climate but said more needed to be done.
She highlighted unpredictable regulations, inconsistent standards and lack of transparency in procurement as key obstacles holding back private capital, including American investment.
“American companies bring world-class tech, innovation, and transparency. They create high-quality jobs and integrate markets into resilient global supply chains. But American investment is disciplined. It flows where contracts are honoured, regulations are predictable, and procurement is transparent,” she said.
Port of Colombo a strategic asset
Howell highlighted the Port of Colombo as a prime example of shared economic interests, describing it as South Asia’s leading container transshipment hub.
She noted that expansion plans would double its capacity to 15 million containers by 2027, strengthening supply chains for American manufacturers and consumers while reinforcing Sri Lanka’s role as a trusted logistics hub at the centre of the Indo-Pacific.
A two-way partnership
Howell was keen to stress that the relationship was not one-sided.
She noted that the United States had been ranked the top destination for foreign direct investment for 13 consecutive years, making it not just a market but a platform for Sri Lankan companies with ambitious growth plans.
She outlined two pathways for Sri Lankan businesses to deepen engagement with the United States — by harnessing American exports including advanced technologies, resilient energy systems and digital infrastructure, and by investing directly in the US through SelectUSA, Washington’s flagship investment promotion initiative.
Embassy commitment
Howell concluded by spelling out the embassy’s commitment to the partnership, saying it would advocate for fair and transparent conditions for American companies, engage constructively with Sri Lankan authorities to remove obstacles, and actively promote two-way trade and investment.
“Rebuilding is not only about restoring what was lost. It is about constructing an economy that is modern, diversified, and grounded in fair and predictable rules,” she said, adding that disciplined reform would position Sri Lanka as a reliable hub at the centre of Indian Ocean trade.