October, 12, 2026
Sri Lanka’s maritime industry has achieved another historic milestone as Colombo West International Terminal (Private) Limited (CWIT) handling two million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) within just 18 months of commencing operations. This achievement makes CWIT the fastest terminal in the history of the Port of Colombo to reach the two-million-TEU mark, reinforcing its growing significance in regional and global maritime trade.
Building on its earlier record of handling one million TEUs within 11 months, CWIT has doubled its throughput in just six additional months. This remarkable growth reflects strong customer confidence, operational excellence and Port of Colombo’s continuing potential as a leading transshipment hub along one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
More than a numerical achievement, the milestone demonstrates how modern infrastructure, advanced technology, sustainable operations and skilled Sri Lankan talent can work together to strengthen the country’s maritime competitiveness.
CWIT celebrated this landmark achievement under the theme “Mission Meets Velocity” at a special event held on September 30 at Cinnamon Life Colombo. The occasion brought together Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) Whole-time Director and CEO Ashwani Gupta, representatives of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation, the High Commission of India in Colombo and John Keells Holdings PLC.
The event celebrated not only CWIT’s rapid operational progress but also its long-term ambition to transform Colombo’s maritime capabilities. A major highlight was the inauguration of the commencement of commercial operations of Phase II, which will double its annual capacity from 1.6 million to 3.2 million TEUs.
The expansion marks a significant step towards CWIT’s ambition to handle nearly 25% of the Port of Colombo’s targeted 13 million TEUs by 2028.
Addressing the occasion, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya said the achievement reflected the potential of strategic partnerships and modern infrastructure to advance Sri Lanka’s economic future. She highlighted the investment’s role in creating employment, attracting international commerce, enhancing competitiveness and strengthening the country’s ambition to become a leading maritime and logistics hub in the Indian Ocean.
APSEZ Whole-time Director and CEO Ashwani Gupta described the capacity expansion as a strong statement of confidence in Colombo and its strategic importance across Indian Ocean trade corridors. He emphasized that expanded capacity, full automation and deep-water infrastructure would strengthen CWIT’s position as a premier transshipment gateway while supporting Sri Lanka’s export-import trade.
John Keells Group Chairperson Krishan Balendra also underscored the importance of the milestone, noting that the partnership had created new opportunities to strengthen Colombo’s position as a regional transshipment hub and support Sri Lanka’s wider economic growth.
Reaching two million TEUs within 18 months places CWIT on a remarkable growth trajectory. The speed at which the terminal has expanded its throughput demonstrates its ability to attract shipping lines, scale operations and maintain service standards in an increasingly competitive maritime environment.
For international shipping lines, reliability, productivity and predictable vessel turnaround times are essential. CWIT’s rapid progression from one million to two million TEUs reflects its growing ability to meet these requirements while supporting the efficient movement of cargo through Colombo.
The achievement also highlights the importance of the Port of Colombo’s strategic location, connecting major East-West shipping routes and serving as a critical transshipment gateway for South Asia and beyond.
Developed through a strategic partnership between APSEZ, John Keells Holdings PLC and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, CWIT represents a major investment in Sri Lanka’s maritime future. Its development reflects a shared commitment to expanding capacity, improving efficiency and strengthening Colombo’s position in international trade.
Designed to accommodate the demands of modern shipping, the terminal features a 1,400-metre quay and a water depth of 20 metres, enabling it to serve some of the world’s largest container vessels. With the Phase II expansion, CWIT’s annual handling capacity will increase to approximately 3.2 million TEUs, enhancing its ability to accommodate growing cargo volumes and larger vessels.
This infrastructure will help strengthen the Port of Colombo’s overall capacity and competitiveness while preparing it for future growth in global shipping.
The arrival of the region’s tallest electric cranes during 2026 further demonstrates the terminal’s commitment to expanding capacity and enhancing operational performance. These investments will strengthen its ability to serve larger vessels and manage increasing cargo volumes as demand for efficient transshipment services grows.
By investing in infrastructure and equipment ahead of future demand, CWIT is helping prepare Colombo for the next phase of maritime growth. The expansion also reinforces investor confidence in Sri Lanka’s potential as a competitive destination for international maritime and logistics activity.
Sustainability remains central to CWIT’s operational strategy. The terminal’s fully electrified equipment and electric Internal Terminal Vehicles support lower-emission cargo handling while contributing to greater operational efficiency.
Renewable-energy initiatives, responsible waste management and broader environmental, social and governance programmes further reflect its commitment to responsible growth.
CWIT has also recorded 17 million safe working hours, demonstrating a strong focus on workplace safety alongside its operational achievements. As global supply chains increasingly prioritise environmental responsibility, the terminal’s approach supports Colombo’s development as a more sustainable maritime hub.
Behind CWIT’s technological capabilities is a skilled and dedicated Sri Lankan workforce. Through structured training, international knowledge transfer and continuous professional development, employees have developed specialised capabilities in automated terminal operations and digital logistics.
Their contribution has been instrumental in achieving the two-million-TEU milestone while maintaining operational standards and workplace safety.
CWIT has also become the first container terminal in Sri Lanka to receive Great Place to Work® Certification, reflecting its commitment to employee wellbeing, inclusion, learning
and career development. This investment in people demonstrates that advanced infrastructure delivers its greatest value when supported by local talent and expertise.
Commenting on the milestone, CWIT Chief Executive Officer Munish Kanwar said:
“Reaching two million TEUs in record time is a remarkable milestone and a reflection of the confidence our customers have placed in CWIT. This achievement demonstrates what is possible when advanced infrastructure, technology, operational discipline and exceptional Sri Lankan talent work together towards a common objective.”
He added that the terminal would continue to focus on productivity, reliability, sustainability and service excellence as Phase II progresses, strengthening Colombo’s position within global trade networks. He also acknowledged the wider Port of Colombo ecosystem for its contribution to CWIT’s journey.
CWIT’s achievement of handling two million TEUs within 18 months represents far more than a terminal milestone. It demonstrates the value of strategic partnerships, technological innovation, modern infrastructure and Sri Lankan talent in advancing the country’s maritime ambitions.
With its Phase II expansion, enhanced automation and commitment to sustainable operations, CWIT is contributing to the Port of Colombo’s capacity, competitiveness and attractiveness to international shipping lines.
As global trade continues to evolve, the terminal’s rapid growth offers a strong indication of what Sri Lanka can achieve through forward-looking investment and operational excellence. By combining record-breaking performance with long-term expansion, CWIT is helping shape the next chapter of Colombo’s maritime development and strengthen its ambition to become one of the Indian Ocean’s leading maritime gateways.
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