Port of Colombo records 22% growth in container throughput for April 2026
The Port of Colombo (POC) the leading maritime and transshipment hubs in South Asia has recorded a significant increase in container handling volumes during the first four months of 2026
Accordingly, the POC handled 761,096 TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) in April 2026, compared to 623,719 TEUs recorded in April 2025, marking a growth of 22 percent. The cumulative container throughput from January to April 2026 reached 2,915,004 TEUs, reflecting an increase of 355,157 TEUs compared to the 2,559,847 TEUs handled during the corresponding period in 2025. This represents a year-on-year growth of 13.9 percent.
The POC continues to function primarily as a transshipment hub, with transshipment cargo accounting for more than 80 percent of its total operations. A substantial volume of bulk cargo operations is also handled through the port, particularly with imports originating from India. In 2025, the POC handled approximately 8.2 million TEUs, maintaining its status among the busiest ports in the region. The SLPA is also preparing to call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) before the end of 2026 for the construction of Phase II of the West Container Terminal (WCT) at the Port of Colombo. The expansion is expected to add more than 3 million TEUs to the port’s annual handling capacity, significantly enhancing Colombo’s role as a major regional logistics hub along the East-West maritime trade route
Meanwhile, the National Port Master Plan, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), is expected to be completed within the next year. The comprehensive master plan is designed to guide the future development of all commercial ports in Sri Lanka and support long-term maritime sector expansion.
At the Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT), Phase I operations are already underway using nine newly commissioned gantry cranes. Efforts are currently being accelerated to complete the remaining phases of the terminal, with procurement processes ongoing for additional superstructure equipment required for efficient and seamless terminal operations.
The POC’s long-term operational security and expansion capacity were significantly strengthened through the construction of the Colombo South Port breakwater project, developed at an investment of approximately USD 400 million. The breakwater remains one of the largest maritime infrastructure projects undertaken in Sri Lanka and has enabled the accommodation of ultra-large container vessels at the port.
