The Ministry of Ports announced that the Port of Colombo recorded the highest container throughput in its history in 2025, with the annual volume reaching 8.29 million TEUs.
According to a ministry statement, this record performance was achieved through the combined efforts of the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) and East Container Terminal (ECT) operated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT) managed by a Chinese company, and the Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) operated by India’s Adani Group.
The 2025 figure represents a 6 percent increase compared to 2024, when the Port of Colombo handled 7.7 million TEUs.
To mark the milestone, a special ceremony was held at the East Container Terminal under the leadership of Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka, with Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Ministry Secretary W.W.S. Mangala, senior SLPA officials, and terminal heads in attendance.
The Ministry of Ports stated that plans are in place to further enhance transshipment and logistics facilities in 2026, strengthening Colombo’s position as a central hub port in the region.
With the completion of construction at the East Container Terminal (ECT) and West Container Terminal (WCT) in 2026, the Port of Colombo is expected to handle a significantly larger volume of containers, making a strong contribution to national economic growth.
The Ministry also noted that several leading global shipping companies have already expressed confidence in Colombo’s operations, with more expected to join in the future.
In this context, Minister Anura Karunathilaka convened a meeting with Sri Lanka Ports Authority management and foreign terminal operators to discuss their plans for 2026. He highlighted the financial contribution of the record achievement to the national economy and expressed the government’s appreciation to all management and staff involved, while assuring full ministry support for continued progress in 2026.
