Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port recorded a 6.7% increase in container volumes during the first nine months of 2025, reaching nearly 6.2 million TEUs compared with 5.8 million TEUs a year earlier. Although the numbers point to continued recovery, exporters warn that recurring vessel omissions and operational lapses threaten the port’s reliability and competitiveness.
According to Central Bank data, September throughput rose 14.4% year-on-year to 742,116 TEUs. However, month-on-month growth was minimal at 0.13%, suggesting that capacity constraints and yard congestion are emerging.
Transshipment cargo, which accounts for nearly 80% of Colombo’s operations, expanded 4.8% to 4.94 million TEUs during the nine-month period. September also saw a 13.1% annual increase in transshipment volumes, though activity dipped compared to August.
Domestic handling rose 13.6% to 971,875 TEUs, reflecting stronger import and export movements. Re-stowing operations posted the fastest growth, up 20% year-on-year to 267,231 TEUs, with September recording a sharp 42.4% annual increase.
Vessel traffic across Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee and Hambantota increased 12.6% to 3,792 ships in the January–September period. September recorded 457 calls, almost 20% higher than the previous year.
Despite this growth, exporters have expressed concern about operational disruptions. The Free Trade Zone Manufacturers’ Association (FTZMA), in a letter to Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka, warned that recurring vessel omissions in recent months have led to shortages of raw materials, production delays and missed export deadlines. Industries that depend on precise shipping schedules, such as apparel, electronics and rubber-based manufacturing, have been most affected.
The Government, however, maintains that reforms are underway. In the 2026 Budget, President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced several key initiatives, including Phase II of the Western Container Terminal with ADB support, feasibility studies for Port Logistics Centres with the World Bank and preliminary work for the Colombo North Port Development Project.
The Budget also outlined new trade-facilitation infrastructure, such as the Kerawalapitiya Customs Verification Centre and logistics facilities in Bloemendal. Digitalisation initiatives, including the Port Community System, are being scaled up to improve data integration and turnaround times.
The FTZMA has urged authorities to address immediate operational shortcomings by improving yard efficiency, speeding inter-terminal transfers, strengthening road access and expediting the commissioning of the East and West Container Terminals. Exporters insist that clearer communication and collaborative action are necessary to stabilise port operations and restore confidence.
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