Colombo, April 7, 2025 – Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ) has officially commenced operations at the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), marking a significant milestone in India-Sri Lanka maritime collaboration. The $800 million project, developed under a public-private partnership, is the first fully automated deep-water terminal in Colombo, designed to enhance cargo handling and vessel turnaround times.
The terminal boasts a 1,400-meter quay length and 20-meter depth, enabling it to handle approximately 3.2 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually. Operated by a consortium comprising APSEZ, Sri Lanka’s John Keells Holdings PLC, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the project is governed by a 35-year Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) agreement.
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, described the terminal as a “momentous milestone” in regional cooperation, emphasizing its role in placing Sri Lanka on the global maritime map. The project is expected to create thousands of jobs and unlock significant economic value for the island nation.
This development further solidifies Colombo’s status as a leading transshipment hub in South Asia, showcasing the potential of visionary public-private partnerships to drive regional growth and connectivity.
