CWIT reaches 1m TEUs in first year

• Fastest Colombo Port terminal to a million containers handled

Colombo West International Terminal Ltd. (CWIT) yesterday said that it had successfully handled one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) within its first year of operations. 

“The achievement represents the fastest time any terminal at the Port of Colombo has reached the one-million-container mark during its inaugural year, underscoring the strategic significance of the terminal and the growing prominence of Colombo as a major maritime hub in the Indian Ocean,” the company said in a statement. 

The company said that handling one million TEUs within the first year of operations is widely recognised in the global port industry as a significant accomplishment. New terminals typically require several years to reach such volumes as they gradually build operational capacity and establish relationships with international shipping lines. CWIT’s ability to achieve this milestone so quickly demonstrates strong operational planning, advanced infrastructure, and the confidence global shipping operators have placed in the terminal.

The accomplishment also reinforces Colombo’s role as a key transshipment hub connecting major shipping routes between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. As global trade continues to grow, terminals like CWIT play an increasingly important role in facilitating efficient cargo movement and strengthening maritime connectivity across the region.

CWIT is the result of a major international partnership involving Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd of India, John Keells Holdings PLC of Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. The project represents an investment of approximately $ 800 million, making it one of the largest port infrastructure developments undertaken in the country in recent years.

This partnership reflects the importance of collaboration between international investors and local stakeholders in developing world-class logistics infrastructure. Adani Ports contributes extensive global experience in port development and management, while John Keells Holdings provides strong local expertise in infrastructure development and corporate leadership.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority plays a critical role in ensuring that the terminal’s development aligns with the national vision of strengthening Colombo’s status as a major maritime gateway in the Indian Ocean region.

Together, these partners have created a terminal that combines international standards, modern technology, and operational efficiency—factors that have played a key role in the rapid growth witnessed during CWIT’s first year of operations.

CWIT said it is the first fully automated deep-water terminal in Colombo, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and IT-driven operational systems. These technologies allow the terminal to manage container flows with greater accuracy while reducing vessel turnaround time and improving overall operational performance.

One of the terminal’s features is its 1,400-metre quay length combined with a water depth of approximately 20 metres, enabling it to accommodate some of the world’s largest container vessels. As global shipping lines increasingly deploy mega container ships along major trade routes, deep-water terminals such as CWIT are essential to supporting these operations.

CWIT also has an estimated annual handling capacity of approximately 3.2 million TEUs, significantly boosting the container-handling capability of Colombo. This additional capacity strengthens the port’s ability to manage growing cargo volumes and maintain its competitive position among regional maritime hubs.

In addition to operational efficiency, the terminal integrates electrified systems and energy-efficient technologies aimed at promoting sustainable port operations. These innovations align with global trends in the maritime sector, where ports are increasingly adopting environmentally responsible practices.

The milestone was officially celebrated on 16 March 2026 at the CWIT premises.

The Chief Guest at the event was the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha, who congratulated the management and employees of CWIT for their remarkable achievement. In his remarks, he emphasised that the success of the terminal highlights the strong economic partnership between India and Sri Lanka.

Jha noted that collaborative projects such as CWIT demonstrate the potential of regional cooperation in strengthening infrastructure, improving trade connectivity, and promoting economic growth. He expressed confidence that the partnership between the two countries will continue to expand in the future, particularly in sectors such as logistics, shipping, and infrastructure development.

Sri Lanka Ports Authority Chairman Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake commended the CWIT team for their dedication and operational excellence. He highlighted that the terminal’s rapid progress contributes significantly to the growth and competitiveness of the Port of Colombo.

Dr. Dissanayake also made special mention of the strategic collaboration between Adani Group and John Keells Holdings PLC, noting that such partnerships play a crucial role in advancing Sri Lanka’s maritime infrastructure and supporting the country’s long-term economic development.

John Keells Holdings Chairman Krishan Balendra, highlighted the importance of international investment in Sri Lanka. He remarked that the decision by the Adani Group to invest in the project during a challenging economic period for the country demonstrated strong confidence in Sri Lanka’s long-term potential.

Balendra further noted that partnerships such as CWIT illustrate how regional cooperation can drive infrastructure development and support economic recovery.

CWIT CEO Munish Kanwar expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the employees and operational teams whose dedication made the milestone possible. Addressing the gathering, he thanked the entire workforce for their commitment and professionalism during the terminal’s first year of operations.

Kanwar also made special mention of the exceptional talent and capabilities of the Sri Lankan workforce, emphasising that their expertise has played a crucial role in achieving record-breaking operational performance. Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that the team would continue to build on this success and achieve even greater milestones in the years to come.