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The Port of Colombo has reported a strong increase in cargo activity, with container volumes growing by 13.9 percent during the first four months of 2026, according to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).
Total container throughput between January and April surpassed 2.91 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), compared to approximately 2.56 million TEUs recorded during the same period in 2025.
The growth trend was particularly evident in April, when the port handled 761,096 TEUs — marking a sharp 22 percent rise compared to April last year.
Colombo continues to function primarily as a transshipment hub, with more than 80 percent of its cargo consisting of goods transferred between international shipping routes rather than imports or exports tied directly to the domestic market.
Looking ahead, the SLPA has announced plans to invite expressions of interest before the end of 2026 for the second phase of the West Container Terminal project. This expansion is expected to significantly enhance the port’s handling capabilities.
Once completed, the new phase is projected to add over 3 million TEUs to annual capacity, further strengthening Colombo’s role as a key player along the busy East–West global shipping corridor.
The latest performance highlights the port’s growing importance in regional trade and its continued recovery and expansion amid rising global shipping demand.
