- Port to be located close to Kelani River outflow
- Further studies conducted with ADB assistance
- Breakwater construction to commence only after WCT breakwater, terminal completed
The Colombo North Port project is awaiting a study on potential flooding along the Kelani River, which is expected to take another year, according to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).
Project commencement is likely to occur only after 2027, once the West Container Terminal 2 (WCT) project is completed.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, SLPA Chairman Admiral (Retd) Sirimevan Ranasinghe stated that considering the sheer size of the Colombo North Port project, it could not be completed overnight.
He said that it must be executed methodically, with thorough studies conducted to ensure there would be no negative consequences.
Ranasinghe further noted that studies were still underway to assess potential flooding along the Kelani River that could result from the project.
“The Colombo North Port will come up close to the Kelani River outflow. This requires studies. Therefore, the Irrigation Department, National Water Supply and Drainage Board, and SLPA are conducting further studies with Asian Development Bank (ADB) assistance,” he stated.
He revealed that the study was expected to take approximately another year. Accordingly, only after its completion can work begin on the engineering designs.
Commenting on a possible timeline for the Colombo North Port, the SLPA Chairman stated that construction of the breakwater for the proposed port would commence only after the breakwater and terminal under the WCT 2 project were completed; the latter are scheduled to be completed by end-2027.
The Sunday Morning Business had previously uncovered that the SLPA had appointed AECOM Infrastructure & Environment UK Ltd. to undertake a feasibility study for the Colombo North Port.
AECOM’s services had been provided under the ADB-funded loan 3425-SRI: Transport Project Preparatory Facility – ‘Consultancy Service for Feasibility Study for Colombo North Port Development Project.’
The feasibility report had examined various development possibilities and a selection of five options had undergone a thorough assessment using a multi-criteria analysis.
Ultimately, the favoured choice entails the establishment of three container terminals, featuring a combined quay length of 4,600 m, along with a multi-purpose terminal encompassing a 700 m quay. Additionally, two oil berths and space for logistics/warehousing are included in this preferred option.
The intent of the proposed Colombo North Port development project is to provide additional port capacity within a sheltered harbour for future freight traffic. The primary aim is to accommodate forecast growth in gateway cargo and transshipment containers up to 2050.