The Port of Colombo recorded a container throughput of 8,291,178 TEUs in 2025, marking the highest annual volume handled by the port. This followed a throughput of 7,792,069 TEUs in 2024, reflecting year-on-year growth amid uneven global trade conditions.
The performance was supported by operations across all terminals at the port. Terminals operated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority continued to handle a substantial share of volumes, supporting both mainline and feeder services. Colombo International Container Terminals maintained deep-water operations for large container vessels, while South Asia Gateway Terminals handled regional and transhipment cargo.
Progress at the Colombo West International Terminal, led by the Adani Group in partnership with local stakeholders, added capacity and is expected to support the port’s future operation
The 2025 performance was recorded amid continued adjustments in global shipping networks, including route realignments, fleet expansion and cost pressures. During this period, the Port of Colombo increased vessel calls, retained transhipment volumes and improved vessel turnaround times. These outcomes reflected coordination among terminal operators, port services, regulators and logistics partners to maintain service continuity.
The port’s current performance is linked to its long history of maritime development. The modern harbour took shape in the late nineteenth century during the British colonial period, when the first permanent breakwater was constructed under the direction of harbour engineer Sir John Coode. This development transformed Colombo into a sheltered deep-water port capable of year-round operations and established the foundation for its continued growth.
Surpassing 8.29 million TEUs positions the Port of Colombo on firmer footing to expand its role within global shipping networks while supporting Sri Lanka’s wider economic objectives. Continued focus on capacity enhancement, digitalisation, workforce capability and service reliability will be central to maintaining momentum. The 2025 milestone is not an endpoint, but a clear signal that the Port of Colombo possesses the structure, partnerships and operational discipline required to perform at scale, with consistency and confidence, in an increasingly demanding global market.