The government will call for Expression of Interest (EOI) from the top ten shipping companies in the world next month for the expansion of the Colombo Port by implementing the Colombo North Port project and the phase II of the West Container Terminal (WCT), a Minister said yesterday.
Deputy Minister of Ports and Aviation Janitha Kodithuwakku told Daily Mirror that the Colombo Port is currently in operation with half a dozen of terminals with five dedicated for container handling. He said plans are in place to expand the port with the addition of new terminals to make it a marine hub in the real sense.
He said the port will be expanded close to the Kelani River once the north port is developed.
“Once a port is developed, we need business. Therefore, we will call for EOI from the top ten shipping companies in the world to finance the development. It will be done next month,” he said.
The feasibility study has already been done for undertaking expansion work. The phase I of the WCT is now under development. The first cargo ship is likely to reach Adani-John Keells Holdings (JKH) WCT) in Colombo Port in the first quarter of 2025. It is jointly developed by India’s Adani Ports and Special Economic Zones Ltd. and Sri Lanka’s largest private conglomerate John Keells Holdings PLC.
The U.S. International Development Finance Corp (DFC) said in 2023 that it would provide US $ 553 million in financing for the port terminal project. However, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSE.NS) withdrew from such financial assistance later.
Sri Lanka is one of the world’s key transit hubs, with half of all container ships transiting through its waters.
Asked about the Hambantota port, he said dredging is now underway to deepen the breakwater of the Hambantota port by one more metre.