The Port of Colombo has ranked in the Top 20 among the world’s major container ports, rising from the 26 position, to boost Sri Lanka’s maritime ambitions, according to the recent figures by Research Tool Alphaliner, cited by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).

The port topped, handling 4.44 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) during the first half of 2026, container volumes increased by 11.9%, compared with the same period in 2025, which was around 3.97 million TEUs, according to SLPA figures.

According to SLPA, the improvement in the global ranking is viewed as an important milestone for Sri Lanka’s efforts to strengthen its position in international shipping sector, where as a result, further investments in container handling, logistics and port capacity are expected to support the port’s future growth and improve its ability to serve as a gateway for regional and global trade.

The latest figures underline Colombo’s growing importance as a key transshipment hub in the Indian Ocean, connecting major shipping routes between Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe, SLPA said as it seeks to expand capacity and attract a larger share of regional and global maritime trade.