The United joined the Government of Sri Lanka in inaugurating two initiatives between the two countries; the Container Security Initiative and the Megaports Initiative. This venture, made in January, will equip Sri Lanka to deter illicit shipments and allow the more rapid transport of containers to the U.S.
The Megaports Initiative will deter possible terrorist acts involving the illicit shipment of radioactive and nuclear materials through the maritime shipping system, while the Container Security Initiative will enhance global container security from the threat posed by terrorism and promote the smooth movement of international trade.
Colombo is the first port in Asia, and the second port in the world, to benefit from both of these initiatives. “The global trading system is interconnected. What affects one nation has an impact on others, especially in this era of complex production chains and just-in-time processing;’ said Jeffrey Lunstead, US Ambassador, at the inauguration at the Colombo Harbor.
“Moving around the port today, between its massive buildings, viewing its stacks of containers, and seeing evidence of the CSI and Megaports initiatives in place, it is apparent that this port, this integral part of Sri Lanka’s economy, understands that it must compete to survive. This port is competing fiercely and it is succeeding,” he added.
