📈 Strategic Expansion of Sri Lanka’s Maritime Sector

The Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) emphasizes a multi-port strategy to maintain Sri Lanka's hub status amidst shifting global logistics and regional competition. • Port of Colombo (The Anchor) Performance: Handled a record 8.2 million TEUs in 2025. Expansion: WCT and ECT projects aim to nearly double capacity to 15 million TEUs. Strategic Role: Serving as a vital transshipment pivot as major liners reroute via the Cape of Good Hope due to Red Sea disruptions. Future: Feasibility studies underway for North Port and WCT 2 to handle bulk and energy cargo. • Trincomalee & Hambantota (Diversification) Trincomalee: Positioning as a regional energy logistics and ship repair hub, leveraging its natural depth for bulk and project cargo. Hambantota: Strengthening petrochemical logistics with the planned US$ 3.7 Bn Sinopec refinery; currently leading in RO-RO (vehicle) and dry bulk. • Strategic Value Adds Free Zones: Shifting the focus to "Agile Fulfillment" and virtual warehousing to buffer global supply chain volatility. Digitalization: Urgent call for a Single Window and Port Community System to match automation seen in regional competitors like India’s Vizhinjam Port. • National Impact By diversifying beyond containers into marine engineering and ICT-driven logistics, Sri Lanka aims to secure long-term employment and economic resilience.