Colombo East Container Terminal opens its third berth, boosting capacity and enhancing Colombo's role as a key transshipment hub.
The Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT), operated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, commissioned its third berth on Friday, reports Xinhua.
Chairman Sirimevan Sarathchandra Ranasinghe stated that the terminal handled more than 500,000 TEU in 2025, despite having incomplete infrastructure. He added that throughput is expected to rise significantly with the new berth, thereby strengthening Colombo's role as a transshipment hub for the Indian subcontinent, Bay of Bengal, and East-West trade routes.
Managing Director Ganaka Hemachandra mentioned that the remaining jetty works will be completed by mid-February, allowing for full-scale operations. The facility aims to process 1.5 million TEU in 2026.
Mr. Hemachandra noted that the progress made by SLPA and other terminal operators at Colombo is contributing to foreign exchange earnings, employment, and trade connectivity.
Extending approximately 1,300 metres, the CECT adds deep-water capacity and quay length to handle large mainline vessels with minimal tidal restrictions. The new berth is expected to ease congestion, improve vessel scheduling, and reinforce Colombo's reputation for efficient, high-volume container handling.
