Sri Lankan Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya on Thursday inaugurated the $750 million Phase II expansion of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone’s (APSEZ) Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT). The expansion has doubled the terminal’s handling capacity from 1.6 million to 3.2 million TEUs.

The expanded capacity is expected to strengthen CWIT’s role in Colombo’s transhipment operations. The terminal aims to handle nearly 25 per cent of the Port of Colombo’s targeted 13 million TEU capacity by 2028.

“Doubling CWIT's capacity to 3.2 million TEUs with a USD 750 million investment is a direct statement of confidence from APSEZ and from the global shipping lines. Phase II is a landmark for APSEZ's international portfolio and sharpens our position across the Indian Ocean's key trade corridors," said Ashwani Gupta, Whole-Time Director and CEO, APSEZ.

"With expanded capacity, full automation and deep-water infrastructure, CWIT is built to be Colombo's premier transhipment gateway and contribute to EXIM cargo in Sri Lanka," Gupta added.

CWIT has also recorded rapid growth since beginning operations. It became the fastest terminal to handle 1 million TEUs within its inaugural year in 2024. The terminal has now handled 2 million TEUs within its first 18 months of operation, marking another milestone for the Port of Colombo.

“The success of Colombo West International Terminal demonstrates what Sri Lanka can achieve when bold vision, trusted partnerships and modern infrastructure come together. Reaching 2 million TEUs in record time and commencing Phase II today is not just a milestone for the Port of Colombo, but a milestone for our nation's economic future," said Amarasuriya.

The Prime Minister said the expansion would support Sri Lanka’s position as a major maritime and logistics centre. She said investments such as CWIT are creating jobs, attracting international commerce and improving the country’s competitiveness. She also said the projects are “reinforcing our ambition to become the leading maritime and logistics hub of the Indian Ocean.”

The additional capacity will allow CWIT to berth three ultra-large container vessels at the same time. This will further support Colombo’s role as a transhipment hub along the East-West trade route.

CWIT is Sri Lanka’s first fully automated deep-water container terminal. It has been designed to handle the world’s largest container vessels. Its operations are fully electrified and have zero tailpipe emissions.

“This is an important milestone for CWIT and for the Port of Colombo. Reaching 2 million TEUs in just 18 months is a strong reflection of what this partnership has been able to achieve," said Krishan Balendra, Chairperson, John Keells Group.

"With the expansion of the terminal, we see an even greater opportunity to strengthen Colombo's position as a key transhipment hub and support Sri Lanka's growth as an important centre for trade in the region. We are pleased to be part of this journey alongside APSEZ and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority," he noted.