The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and HSBC have announced a joint investment of up to $40 million in South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd. (SAGT) to modernize and decarbonize operations at the Port of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s premier maritime gateway. 

The financing aims to strengthen the port’s competitiveness, resilience, and sustainability, reinforcing its role as South Asia’s leading transshipment hub.

The package includes a sustainability‑linked loan of up to $20 million from IFC, with $8.57 million mobilized through IFC’s Managed Co‑Lending Portfolio Program (MCPP), alongside a parallel green loan of up to $20 million from HSBC. 

Funds will be used to acquire advanced twin‑lift ship‑to‑shore cranes, boosting productivity, operational reliability, and energy efficiency to meet rising global trade demands.

This marks IFC’s first sustainability‑linked financing for infrastructure in Sri Lanka and its return to the port sector after two decades.

 IFC first partnered with SAGT in 1999 to finance Sri Lanka’s first public‑private partnership container terminal, helping establish Colombo as a regional transshipment hub. 

The new investment is expected to raise quay‑side productivity by at least 11 percent, expand capacity for both transshipment and domestic traffic, reduce carbon emissions, and create more opportunities for women in the sector.

Sri Lanka’s strategic location at the crossroads of major shipping routes makes the Port of Colombo vital to global trade, with nearly half of worldwide container traffic passing nearby. The port contributes around 2.5 percent of GDP, anchoring the country’s logistics and trade integration.

“At SAGT, we are committed to shaping the future of Sri Lanka’s maritime industry through continuous investment in world‑class infrastructure that drives productivity, enhances operational excellence, and reinforces the Port of Colombo’s position as a leading regional transshipment hub. As IFC’s first sustainability‑linked financing for an infrastructure project in Sri Lanka, this milestone underscores our commitment to pioneering sustainable growth and setting a new benchmark for the industry,” said Steen Knudsen, CEO, SAGT.

“When trade moves, economies follow. As IFC’s first sustainability‑linked financing for infrastructure in the country, this investment demonstrates how innovative financing can modernize essential economic assets, accelerate decarbonization and drive long‑term, sustainable growth,” saidGevorg Sargsyan, Country Manager, World Bank Group in Sri Lanka and Maldives.

“Our international reach and global expertise support us to play a prominent role in financing the transition in the sectors where it matters most. Given its strategic importance to Sri Lanka, HSBC is committed to supporting the maritime and logistics sector as it modernizes and transitions to a lower‑carbon future. Our parallel green loan of up to $20 million will enable SAGT to upgrade critical port equipment, improving productivity and reliability while reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. This is an example of how sustainable finance can deliver practical, measurable outcomes,” said Amesh Dissanayake, Director Banking, HSBC Sri Lanka.

The investment aligns with the World Bank Group’s Country Partnership Framework for Sri Lanka, supporting the government’s ambition to strengthen the nation’s role as a regional logistics hub and deepen integration into global trade networks. (Newswire)

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The Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship USS Canberra (LCS 30), belonging to the US Navy, arrived at the Port of Colombo today (12). 

According to the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, the visit marks the fourth U.S. Navy littoral combat ship to call on Colombo, following the USS Tulsa, USS Charleston, and USS Santa Barbara.

The visit highlights the critical importance of continued engagement among maritime partners dedicated to security, cooperation, and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Under the command of Cmdr. James McLaughlin, the USS Canberra will make a brief stop in Colombo to take on fuel and supplies.

The USS Canberra (LCS 30) is an Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship designed to operate in near-shore environments and support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions. 

Commissioned in July 2023, the ship reflects the U.S. Navy’s commitment to maintaining a capable and agile presence across the Indo-Pacific. (Newswire)

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Visiting U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor visited the Colombo Port on Friday (20), underscoring the importance of the facility as a critical hub connecting South Asia to global markets.

During the visit, Gor observed port operations alongside the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and highlighted the significance of maritime security in safeguarding international trade.

“Watching operations alongside the Sri Lanka Port Chairman at the Port of Colombo, it’s clear how this critical hub connects South Asia to global markets, and why maritime security here matters. That’s why the U.S.–Sri Lanka partnership is helping advance secure and transparent trade, support ongoing efforts to improve port efficiency, and protect the integrity of supply chains that have a direct impact on the bottom line for U.S. manufacturers and consumers,” Gor said in a statement on ‘X’. (Newswire)

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Operations at the third terminal of the Colombo Port’s East Container Terminal commenced today (23 Jan).

Marking the start of operations, three vessels belonging to three leading global shipping companies arrived at the terminal.

Equipped with 12 gantry cranes and 40 automated yard cranes, the terminal will further strengthen Colombo Port’s role as a regional maritime hub.

Construction of the East Container Terminal at Colombo Port first began on January 12, 2022.

The terminal, built on 75 hectares of land, has a total length of 1,320 meters.

Of this, 1,090 meters and 82% of other construction work have already been completed.

By 2025, the East Container Terminal was expected to handle over 500,000 containers, and once fully completed, it will have the capacity to handle 1.5 million containers.

The project is being developed under the supervision and investment of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority with the aim of increasing Colombo Port’s operational capacity.

It is also notable that the commencement comes in the aftermath of protests sparked by controversies surrounding the East Container Terminal and the Adani Group. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Ports says the Port of Colombo recorded the highest container throughout in its history in 2025, with the annual volume reaching 8,290,000 TEUs.

According to a ministry statement, this record achievement was the result of the collective effort of the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) and East Container Terminal (ECT) operated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, along with 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 reflects a 6% growth, as the Port of Colombo handled only 7,700,000 TEUs in 2024. 

To mark this 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 further stated that Colombo has also planned to enhance transshipment and logistics facilities in 2026 to strengthen its position as a central hub port. 

Furthermore, with the completion of construction at the East Container Terminal (ECT) and West Container Terminal (WCT) in 2026, the Port of Colombo will be able to handle a significantly larger volume of containers, contributing strongly to the country’s economic growth.

It is reported that at present, several leading global shipping companies have expressed confidence in Colombo’s operations, and more are expected to join in the future.

As such, Minister Anura Karunathilaka convened the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) management and foreign terminal operators to discuss their plans for 2026. 

He highlighted the financial contribution of this record achievement to the national economy and extended the government’s gratitude to all management and staff involved. He also assured full ministry support in 2026 to ensure continued success and progress. (Newswire)

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Colombo Port Police have arrested a clerk suspected of stealing cosmetic products worth Rs. 574,425 from a consignment imported from India.

According to Police investigations, a private company had imported two pallets of cosmetics from India on Nov. 7, 2025, the Lankadeepa newspaper reported. 

The shipment was stored at the Bandaranaike warehouse of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority after paying port and customs duties, pending release.

On Nov. 26, a clerk from another company allegedly entered the warehouse and opened four cardboard boxes from the consignment. He is accused of stealing the packaged cosmetic items stored inside.

The suspect had been taken into custody following a preliminary investigation by the Port Police. (Newswire)

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The body of an unidentified man has been recovered near the Adani terminal jetty at the Colombo Port on Thursday afternoon.

Police said the victim, around 5 feet tall with partially long hair, was wearing blue denim trousers at the time of discovery.

The decomposed body was taken to the Colombo National Hospital morgue for a post-mortem examination following a Magistrate’s inquiry.

Investigations are continuing to identify the deceased. (Newswire)

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The Colombo Port has recorded a net profit (after tax) of Rs. 32.2 billion during the first eight months of 2025, according to the Ministry of Ports.

In comparison, the net profit earned during the first eight months of 2024 stood at Rs. 18.9 billion.

This marks an increase of approximately Rs. 13 billion year-over-year, reflecting a growth rate of 71%.

The estimated profit for the first eight months of 2025 was around Rs. 21 billion, but actual earnings exceeded this target by Rs. 11 billion.

As a result of continuous development projects and improved service efficiency, container handling has shown a growth of approximately 6% compared to the same period in 2024.

With the completion of infrastructure such as the East Terminal and the Jaya Container Terminal, further capacity expansion is anticipated, according to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

The Authority attributes the surpassing of profit targets to factors such as increased revenue from renewed terminal service agreements, enhanced capacity, and effective cost management.

It further states that these profits are expected to be utilized in implementing future plans to position the Colombo Port as a regional transshipment hub. (Newswire)

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India’s Adani Group and its partners plan to double the capacity of an $840 million container terminal in Colombo several months ahead of schedule, despite giving up $553 million in U.S. funding, Reuters reported, citing a partner executive.

The Colombo West International Terminal, a deepwater facility next to one operated by China Merchants Port Holdings, highlights Sri Lanka’s strategic role in regional competition for Indian Ocean trade routes.

The first phase of the fully automated terminal was opened in April. The second and final phase is expected to be completed by late 2026, three to four months ahead of the original February 2027 deadline, John Keells Holdings transportation head Zafir Hashim told Reuters. Once finished, the terminal will be able to handle 3.2 million containers annually, with most of the traffic originating from India.

Adani Ports holds a 51 percent stake in the project, John Keells 34 percent, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority the remainder, according to Reuters.

The accelerated timeline follows Adani’s decision in December to withdraw a funding request from the U.S. International Development Finance Corp. after U.S. authorities accused Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani and others of involvement in a bribery scheme. The company has rejected the allegations.

“Working with Adani, we really haven’t seen anything to worry about,” Hashim told Reuters. “Until something is proven, we are partners … They have been a very good partner to work with.”

Sri Lanka is also considering further Adani investments in renewable energy, Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody told Reuters, though Adani withdrew from two proposed wind power projects earlier this year after the new government sought to renegotiate purchase rates. (Newswire)

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Excavations at a mass grave discovered within the Colombo Port premises have uncovered skeletal remains belonging to at least 88 individuals, officials confirmed.

The grave was first found in July 2024 during construction work for the new elevated expressway. Excavations are being carried out under the supervision of Colombo Additional Magistrate Kasun Kanchana Disanayake, with archaeological expertise provided by senior professor Raj Somadeva.

Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara recently said that Sri Lanka has so far recorded 17 mass grave sites across the country.(Newswire)

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The US Embassy in Sri Lanka says the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) will visit the Port of Colombo on 16th August 2025.

According to the US Embassy, the visit marks the USS Santa Barbara’s first port call to Colombo, underscoring the strength of the U.S.–Sri Lanka partnership and shared commitment to a secure, prosperous, and free Indo-Pacific. 

It also reflects the longstanding ties between our navies and the close cooperation that defines our relationship. Colombo will serve as a brief stop for the ship to take on fuel and supplies before continuing its mission, the Embassy added. 

The USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) is a part of the U.S. 7th Fleet, which commands the world’s largest forward-deployed fleet with the primary mission of providing operational control and planning for its forces in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, while promoting regional stability and maritime security through engagements with allies and partners.

“The arrival of the USS Santa Barbara in Sri Lanka is a powerful symbol of the U.S.–Sri Lanka partnership in action. As part of the U.S. 7th Fleet—the Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet—this visit reflects our shared commitment to maritime security, regional stability, and a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung. “We’re proud to stand alongside Sri Lanka as we work together to promote peace and prosperity across the region.”

The USS Santa Barbara is an Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ship designed to operate in near-shore environments and support forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence missions. Christened on October 16, 2021, it is currently operating as part of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7. The Santa Barbara conducts regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance future warfighting capabilities. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lanka Salt Producers Association (SLSPA) states that currently, 400 containers, comprising nearly 28,000 metric tons of imported salt, are stuck at the Colombo Port without clearance. 

National Organizer of the Association, Chaminda Rusiru Maliyedda, told the media that due to the recent salt shortage in Sri Lanka, the association intervened to import salt from India. 

He said, however, 400 containers with imported salt have been stuck at the Colombo Port for over 45 days. 

“The issue has arisen due to issues stemming from the Bill of Lading date. There are around 28,000 metric tons in one container. The primary fault is with the shipping company,” he said. 

Chaminda Rusiru Maliyedda further said that, as businesses that pay their due taxes, they expect a concession from the government in this regard. 

“As a solution to this issue, the Finance Ministry or the Health Ministry must intervene and release the load. The benefit is for consumers, as we intend to sell the imported salt for a reasonable price,” he said. 

Chaminda Rusiru Maliyedda also revealed that despite several requests being made from the authorities for a discussion on the matter, they have yet to receive any response in this regard. 

Sri Lanka opted to import salt after a significant decline in local salt production was reported due to various reasons, including the impact of weather. 

As such, the government opted to import salt from India, with two batches having arrived at the Colombo Port. (Newswire)

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The Cabinet has approved the incorporation of a limited liability company, named Colombo Eastern Container Terminal (Private) Limited,  to manage and operate the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) at the Colombo Port.

According to the government, approval was granted at the cabinet meeting held in February 2021 to develop the Eastern Container Terminal and Western Container Terminal under the Colombo South Port Project. 

The Board of Directors of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority has decided to incorporate a limited liability company with the full rights of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority to operate and manage the Eastern Container Terminal. 

The decision has been taken as it will be able to obtain maximum economic advantages, achieve operational efficiency, and compete with private terminal operators.

Accordingly, the Cabinet has approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Ports to establish a limited liability company for this purpose. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka Customs says the congestion reported at the Colombo Port was due to a delay in the clearance of the government-approved imported salt.

Addressing the media, Additional Director General of Customs, Seevali Arukgoda, acknowledged congestion at the Port, stating that several containers of imported salt were brought down in a short period. 

“Generally, we receive around 1200 containers per day. But last week we got between 2400-2500 containers per day, which were mostly imported salt,” he said.

Arukgoda explained that the inspection of these containers had caused a slight congestion and delay in clearance at the Colombo Port.

“We grant clearance to these food items only after conducting the necessary checks and tests. Food items are subjected to tests by the Sri Lanka Standards Institute and food analysts, and are only released upon their approval. Especially, imported salt must undergo a quality check. A few days of delay may occur to obtain the report and receive the approval of the Sri Lanka Standards Institute for clearance,” he said. 

Arukgoda clarified that the congestion at the Colombo Port had been caused due to this delay, adding that it had only resulted in a day or two of delay, and not weeks or months.

He further said that Sri Lanka Customs was continuing the clearance of these containers, focusing on quick clearance and ensuring the suitability for human consumption.

The Additional Director General of Customs assured that the congestion will be eased and normalised in the next two or three days. (Newswire)

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The Container Transport Owners Association alleges that a congestion has once again been reported at the Colombo Port, due to a delay in clearance, urging the President to intervene to resolve the issue.

Addressing the media, a representative of the Association said that this has resulted in at least 500 goods-transporting lorries being parked at the port for over a week. 

“It has been reported that there is a lack of space at the Inspection Unit and a shortage of officials as well. There is a shortage of staff from state entities, including Sri Lanka Customs, while some officials of other state institutions are not working their 24-hour shifts. These factors have severely impacted the current situation,” he said. 

The Container Transport Owners Association representative further alleged that the Sri Lanka Customs has failed to facilitate the car park for goods-transporting vehicles that had been established and handed over per a Cabinet decision to resolve the persisting congestion at the Colombo Port.

“To date, not a single vehicle has been allowed to park there. The authorities have failed to take the necessary action to implement this service. A group of security officials are now seen standing guard over an empty plot of land,” he said. 

The Container Transport Owners Association representative questioned whether these officials were beyond the President and the President’s Secretary, adding that it was evident that these officials were against the government’s efforts to curtail corruption. 

He called on the President to immediately intervene and provide a solution to this issue. (Newswire)

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The new radiation detection equipment at Port of Colombo, provided by the US Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration’s (DOE/NNSA) Office of Nuclear Smuggling Detection and Deterrence through its Megaports Initiative, was commissioned by US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, recently.

According to the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, the equipment, valued at approximately $500,000 (Rs. 148 million), will be used at the Port of Colombo’s West Container Terminal to detect and alert authorities to the presence of radioactive materials, supporting Sri Lanka’s national port security regulations, strengthening global supply chain security and extending America’s security perimeter by detecting threats at key transit hubs before they reach U.S. or international shores. 

Senior officials from Sri Lanka Customs, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, and the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board joined the commissioning ceremony and partnered with U.S. experts to train Sri Lankan instructors and maintenance technicians. 

Since the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in 2004, the United States and Sri Lanka have worked closely through the Megaports Initiative to prevent the spread of nuclear and other radioactive materials through the Port of Colombo. 

Highlighting the strength of the partnership, US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung stated, “Sri Lanka is one of our longest-standing partners in the fight against nuclear smuggling. With over $31 million —more than nine billion rupees— invested since 2004, the Megaports Initiative has strengthened Sri Lanka’s ability to secure one of the world’s most strategic maritime trade routes. Today’s commissioning at the Port of Colombo marks another milestone in our 20-year partnership and shared commitment to protecting global supply chains, preventing the spread of nuclear materials, and detecting dangerous materials before they can cross borders.” 

Commenced in 2003, the Megaports Initiative, led by DOE/NNSA, is a global program designed to prevent the illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials through international shipping ports. By working in partnership with host countries, the initiative strengthens global security through the installation of advanced radiation detection equipment and the training of customs and port authorities. The NNSA’s Megaports Initiative helps make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous by partnering with countries around the world to detect and deter nuclear smuggling while protecting the flow of legitimate global trade. (Newswire)

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A fire that broke out in a container at Bandaranaike Quay IV (BQ IV) in the Port of Colombo on Thursday (Jan 30) has been contained by a Sri Lanka Navy firefighting team from the Western Naval Command.

The fire was reported around 7:45 p.m. when smoke was seen emanating from the container. In response, the Colombo Port Control Office requested assistance from the Navy’s specialized Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) unit.

Navy firefighters, along with port workers and the port fire brigade, managed to unlock the container and remove burning cleaning chemicals, preventing further spread. (Newswire)

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The Container Truck Drivers’ Association (CTDA) has warned of launching a trade union action if delays in clearing imported containers are not resolved by this week. 

Addressing the media yesterday, the Container Truck Owners’ Association (CTOA) President Sanath Manjula said the delays in clearing imported containers has severely inconvenienced container truck drivers.

Revealing that truck drivers were facing a lot of hardships, including the lack of basic sanitary facilities, he said they have warned of a trade union action if these delays are not addressed within this week.

Warning that a trade union action will affect both the import and export sectors, Sanath Manjula alleged that the lack of coordination between the relevant agencies has led to the delays.

Stating that in addition to the Customs, the other related government institutions should also work 24 hours a day, he proposed that the Government deploy security forces personnel to related duties to resolve the issue. (Newswire)

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Importers in Sri Lanka allege they are being forced to face additional expenses exceeding Rs. 100 million, due to delays in releasing over 1,000 containers at the Colombo Port. 

Major importers state they are incurring costs of over Rs. 100,000 per container, with some facing expenses as high as Rs. 300,000, due to increased transportation charges, port delay fees, and additional staffing needs.

They further revealed that the delayed containers consist of essential food items, raw materials, and other critical goods.

They claimed that the delay in clearing the containers poses the risk of an increase in the prices of goods and that importers will be forced to pass the added costs to consumers. 

Pointing out that this financial burden was beyond their control, the importers alleged that the delays were caused due to inefficiencies at the Colombo Port. (Newswire)

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Minister of Ports Bimal Rathnayake says it is important that India’s Adani Group commences development of the West Container Terminal of the Colombo Port.

Speaking to the media during a tour of the Colombo Port yesterday, Minister Rathnayake said objections were only raised on the Adani Group’s wind power project in Mannar as it is not feasible for Sri Lanka. 

Commenting on the Port project, Minister Rathnayake said that an issue has arisen regarding funding, but the problem was between the Adani Group and the US institution that had agreed to grant the fund.

Minister Rathnayake said that, however, the Adani Group has already addressed the matter, stating that funds will be disbursed internally for the Colombo Port project.

The Minister of Ports pointed out that it was imperative that the Adani Group commences operations at the Colombo Port soon, as it could be beneficial for Sri Lanka, as well as the Ports Authority. 

He added that it was essential to develop a country’s ports as it was one of the largest industries and an international business. (Newswire)

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