USS Canberra Makes Second 2026 Port Call in Colombo

The United States Navy littoral combat ship USS Canberra arrived at the Port of Colombo on October 26, 2026, for a routine port call. This visit marks the second time the vessel has docked in Sri Lanka this year, following an initial visit in June.

The deployment is part of a broader U.S. strategy to protect vital maritime routes and maintain freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific. The USS Canberra is specifically designed for coastal and open-ocean operations, including mine countermeasures and maritime security.

U.S. Ambassador Eric Meyer praised the Sri Lanka Navy for its professionalism in facilitating the visit. Meyer stated that these engagements reinforce a naval partnership built on trust and a shared commitment to maintaining security and stability across the Indian Ocean.