Sri Lanka Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya has inaugurated the Phase II expansion of APSEZ’s Colombo West International Terminal, doubling capacity from 1.6 million to 3.2 million TEUs through a total investment of US$ 750 million.
The expansion advances CWIT’s ambition to handle nearly 25 percent of the Port of Colombo’s 13 million TEU target by 2028 and enables the terminal to simultaneously berth three ultra-large container vessels, strengthening Colombo’s position as a critical transshipment hub on the East-West trade route.
CWIT has established a record of rapid operational growth since commencing operations in 2024, becoming the fastest terminal to handle 1 million TEUs in its inaugural year and achieving 2 million TEUs within its first 18 months of operation.
The terminal is Sri Lanka’s first fully automated deep-water container facility, built for the world’s largest container vessels through fully electrified operations and zero tailpipe emissions, and has recorded 17 million safe working hours.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya described the milestone as significant not only for the Port of Colombo but for Sri Lanka’s economic future, highlighting CWIT’s role in creating jobs, attracting international commerce and reinforcing the country’s ambition to become the leading maritime and logistics hub of the Indian Ocean.
Ashwani Gupta, CEO of APSEZ, described the Phase II investment as a direct statement of confidence from APSEZ and global shipping lines, positioning CWIT as Colombo’s premier transshipment gateway and a contributor to Sri Lanka’s EXIM cargo growth.
Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of John Keells Group, highlighted the strength of the partnership in achieving the 2 million TEU milestone and the expanded opportunity to support Colombo’s role as a key regional transshipment hub.
