Colombo Port Records 22% Surge in April Container Volumes 📈

The Port of Colombo (POC) demonstrated strong growth in the first four months of 2026, solidifying its position as a critical regional transhipment hub along the East-West maritime route. • Throughput Figures: April 2026 saw 761,096 TEUs handled, a 22% increase over April 2025. Cumulative volume for Jan–April reached 2.91 Mn TEUs, up 13.9% (355,157 TEUs) YoY. • Operational Focus: Transhipment remains the core driver, accounting for over 80% of total operations. The port also manages significant bulk cargo, largely imports from India. • Infrastructure Expansion: Phase I of the Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT) is operational with four new gantry cranes. Phase II of the West Container Terminal (WCT) is slated for EOIs by late 2026, aimed at adding 3 Mn TEUs in annual capacity. • Strategic Development: The ADB-funded National Port Master Plan is due for completion within a year. These expansions leverage the $ 400 Mn South Port breakwater, allowing the port to host ultra-large container vessels. Strategic Impact: This growth reinforces Sri Lanka’s role in global logistics & maritime services, essential for foreign exchange earnings and regional trade connectivity. 🚢