On April 7, 2025, the Adani Ports and Special Economic Zones Ltd (APSEZ) announced the commencement of operations at the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), a major infrastructure development at the port of Colombo in Sri Lanka. The project, which has been developed under a significant Public-Private Partnership model, marks a landmark achievement in regional maritime cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

CWIT is being operated by a tripartite consortium that includes Adani Ports & SEZ Ltd, India’s largest private port operator; Sri Lanka’s major conglomerate, John Keells Holdings PLC; and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. The project has been undertaken under a 35-year build-operate-transfer (BOT) agreement, reflecting long-term strategic collaboration.

South Asia’s First Fully Automated Deep-Water Terminal

The Colombo West International Terminal is not only the first deep-water terminal in Colombo to be fully automated, but also a technological leap forward for the region’s port infrastructure. With a quay length of 1,400 meters and a depth of 20 meters, the terminal is designed to handle up to 3.2 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually.

The terminal was developed with the primary aim of transforming Colombo into one of the leading transshipment hubs in South Asia. Enhanced cargo handling systems and automation will improve operational efficiency, speed up vessel turnaround time, and help decongest the port, critical goals in light of Colombo’s rising trade volumes and strategic location in the Indian Ocean shipping lanes.

Rapid Development Since 2022

Construction of the CWIT began in 2022 and has moved forward at a swift pace. The project represents a total investment of approximately USD 800 million, demonstrating the scale and ambition behind this India-Sri Lanka collaboration.

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, underscored the broader significance of the development, stating, “The commencement of operations at CWIT marks a momentous milestone in the regional cooperation between India and Sri Lanka. Not only does this terminal represent the future of trade in the Indian Ocean, but its opening is also a proud moment for Sri Lanka, placing it firmly on the global maritime map.”

A New Chapter in Regional Maritime Growth

The operational launch of the Colombo West International Terminal signals a transformative step in maritime infrastructure and regional trade dynamics. As the first fully automated deep-water terminal in Colombo, CWIT is expected to significantly enhance the port's role as a gateway to South Asia. The partnership between Indian and Sri Lankan entities, facilitated by a forward-looking BOT framework, also highlights the deepening economic and strategic ties between the two nations. With its advanced infrastructure and operational capabilities, CWIT is set to play a crucial role in the evolving landscape of global maritime logistics.