USS Canberra Returns to Colombo for Second Visit to Sri Lanka in 2026

US Navy littoral combat ship arrives at Colombo Port, highlighting maritime security cooperation between the United States and Sri Lanka

Colombo, October 26, 2026: The United States Navy's littoral combat ship USS Canberra (LCS 30) arrived at the Port of Colombo on Monday for a routine port call, marking its second visit to Sri Lanka in 2026.

The US Embassy in Sri Lanka welcomed the return of the Independence-variant littoral combat ship, noting that the visit underscores the longstanding partnership between the US and Sri Lankan navies and their shared commitment to maritime security across the Indo-Pacific region.

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer expressed appreciation for the Sri Lanka Navy's support and professionalism in facilitating the ship's visits.

“We appreciate the Sri Lanka Navy’s professionalism and support in making these visits smooth and efficient. Each visit reinforces the strength of our naval partnership, built on trust, and our shared commitment to maintaining security and stability across the Indian Ocean,” the Ambassador said.

The USS Canberra previously visited Sri Lanka in June this year.

About USS Canberra

USS Canberra (LCS 30) is an Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship built in Mobile, Alabama, in the United States. Designed for speed and operational flexibility, the vessel is capable of operating in coastal waters and the open ocean.

Equipped with advanced technology and adaptable mission systems, the ship can undertake maritime security operations, counter sea mines and support the US Navy's regional presence and deterrence missions.

Its operations across the Indo-Pacific reflect the US Navy's commitment to protecting vital maritime routes, maintaining freedom of navigation and cooperating with regional partners to strengthen maritime security.

Honouring a shared naval legacy

In February 2018, then-US President Donald Trump announced that the ship would be named USS Canberra in honour of HMAS Canberra, an Australian warship lost while fighting alongside US forces during the Battle of Savo Island in 1942, during World War II.

The USS Canberra became the second US Navy ship to bear the name Canberra. On July 22, 2023, it made history as the first US Navy warship to be commissioned in an allied country. The commissioning ceremony took place at the Royal Australian Navy's Fleet Base East in Sydney, Australia.

The ship's name commemorates the shared history of American and Australian military service and sacrifice, while its latest visit to Colombo highlights continued US–Sri Lanka naval engagement and cooperation in the Indian Ocean.