Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd. (APSEZ), India’s largest integrated transport utility, has officially commenced operations at the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) at the Port of Colombo.
Developed under a landmark public-private partnership, CWIT is operated by a consortium comprising APSEZ, Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings PLC, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, under a 35-year Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) agreement.
The CWIT project represents a significant investment of USD 800 million. The state-of-the-art facility features a 1,400-metre quay length and a 20-metre depth, enabling it to handle approximately 3.2 million Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) annually.
As the first fully automated deep-water terminal in Colombo, CWIT is designed to transform cargo handling capabilities, enhance vessel turnaround times, and cement the Port of Colombo’s position as a premier transshipment hub in South Asia.
Construction began in early 2022 and has made rapid progress. With the installation of cutting-edge infrastructure nearing completion, the terminal is set to establish new benchmarks in operational efficiency and reliability in regional maritime logistics.
“The commencement of operations at CWIT marks a momentous milestone in regional cooperation between India and Sri Lanka,” said Mr. Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group. “This terminal not only represents the future of trade in the Indian Ocean but also places Sri Lanka firmly on the global maritime map. The CWIT project will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs and unlock substantial economic value for the island nation.”
Mr. Adani emphasized the project as a testament to the growing strategic ties between the two countries and an example of the transformative power of public-private partnerships. “Delivering this world-class facility in record time reflects the Adani Group’s proven ability to execute large-scale infrastructure projects efficiently across the globe,” he added.
John Keells Group Chairperson Mr. Krishan Balendra also highlighted the project’s significance. “The development of the West Container Terminal strengthens Sri Lanka’s position as a regional maritime hub. As one of our largest investments, this project represents a major milestone for the private sector in Sri Lanka. We are confident that it will enhance global trade and connectivity in the region.”
