Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), India’s largest integrated transport utility, has commenced operations at the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), located at the Port of Colombo.
CWIT has been developed under a landmark public-private partnership involving Adani Ports, Sri Lanka’s John Keells Holdings PLC, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, under a 35-year build, operate and transfer (BOT) agreement.
The terminal is a US $800 million investment featuring a 1,400-metre quay and 20-metre depth, enabling it to handle up to 3.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually.
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani described the terminal’s opening as a milestone in regional cooperation and a proud moment for Sri Lanka, positioning the country on the global maritime map.
The project is expected to generate thousands of jobs and significantly contribute to Sri Lanka’s economy.
Adani highlighted the terminal as a testament to India-Sri Lanka strategic ties and the success of visionary public-private partnerships.
John Keells Group Chairperson Krishan Balendra said the project strengthens Sri Lanka’s role as a regional maritime hub and is one of the group’s largest private investments.
CWIT is Colombo’s first fully automated deep-water terminal, designed to boost cargo handling, improve vessel turnaround times, and elevate the port’s transshipment capabilities.
Construction began in early 2022, with rapid progress leading to the near completion of advanced infrastructure that will set new standards in regional maritime logistics.
