Sri Lanka Ports Authority targets transshipment growth with Indian support

Sri Lanka is leveraging strong support from fast-growing economies, particularly India, to expand its transshipment operations as the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) is advancing major development projects, an official said on Wednesday.

“We are receiving strong support from the fastest-developing economies, particularly India. Their transshipments are what we target,” SLPA Harbour Master Capt. Nirmal Siva said.

The Port of Colombo, which serves as the country’s primary transshipment hub, handled 8.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2024, reflecting a 10.5 percent year-on-year growth. Development projects at the East and West Container Terminals (ECT and WCT) are expected to nearly double capacity to 15 million TEUs upon completion.

The SLPA is extending the ECT jetty from 600 metres to 1,320 metres, with construction slated for completion by mid-2026. The Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), developed under a public-private partnership with India’s Adani Group holding 51 percent, John Keells Holdings 34 percent, and the SLPA 15 percent, is expected to begin operations in February 2025 with a 700-metre section. The full 1,400-metre terminal is set to be operational by late 2026.

Consultancy work for the next phase of WCT expansion is underway, with plans to add another 1,400 metres of terminal space. 

“We are currently conducting consultancy work for the next phase of the West Container Terminal project, which is slated to begin in 2028,” Siva said.

The SLPA has also conducted a feasibility study for the Colombo North Harbour project, which will feature three container terminals. Development of the high-capital project is expected to begin after 2030, based on demand.
Other port developments include transforming the Galle Port into a tourism hub with yacht marina facilities, while Trincomalee Harbour is being developed as an industrial harbour focused on green hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol production.

“We are also evaluating opportunities to introduce these types of oil and gas initiatives at the harbour,” Siva said.
In the north, the Kankesanthurai Port recently launched a ferry service between India’s Nagapattinam Port and Sri Lanka, capable of carrying 150 passengers four times a week. Expansion of this service is under consideration.