Colombo Port handles 6.2 m TEUs in first nine months, up 6.7% YoY

• Colombo Port throughput up 14.4% YoY in Sept., unchanged from Aug.
• Transhipment accounts for 4.94 m TEUs, or nearly 80% of total volume
• August–September data shows mixed momentum across key cargo segments
• Vessel calls across all ports grow 12.6% YoY to 3,792 in first nine months

Container volumes at the Colombo Port rose 6.7% year-on-year in the first nine months of 2025 to nearly 6.2 million TEUs, up from 5.8 million TEUs a year earlier, as the Government aims to improve efficiency while industrialists warn of recurring vessel omissions leading to production shocks.

As per latest data from Central Bank, throughput in September increased 14.4% to 742,116 TEUs from 648,647 a year ago. Compared with August’s 741,124 TEUs, September’s total was broadly flat, rising 0.13%.

Transhipment activity grew 4.8% in the nine-month period to 4.94 million TEUs, representing the bulk of Colombo’s volumes at nearly 80%. September transhipment reached 584,863 TEUs, up 13.1% year-on-year but lower month-on-month, declining 1.27% from August’s 592,413 TEUs.

Domestic handling increased 13.6% to 971,875 TEUs over the nine months. September volumes stood at 113,551 TEUs, up 12.6% year-on-year but marginally below August’s 113,615 TEUs, easing 0.06%.

Re-stowing operations posted the strongest gains, rising 20% year-on-year to 267,231 TEUs in the nine months. September recorded 43,702 TEUs, a 42.4% annual increase and a 24.5% rise from August’s 35,096 TEUs.

Vessel traffic across Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee and Hambantota increased 12.6% year-on-year to 3,792 ships between January and September. September recorded 457 vessel calls, up 19.6% from 382 a year earlier and unchanged from August.

In the 2026 Budget Speech earlier this month, President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the Government plans to strengthen its position in regional port logistics by expanding capacity at the Colombo Port and improving operational efficiency. 

Planned initiatives for the year include Phase II of the Western Container Terminal with Asian Development Bank support, feasibility work on the proposed Port Logistics Centres with the World Bank, and preparatory work for the Colombo North Port Development Project. 

New trade-facilitation infrastructure such as the Kerawalapitiya Customs Verification Centre and facilities in the Bloemendal area will also be established. The Budget noted that digitalisation and automation efforts, including the Port Community System, are being scaled up to support integrated data management and improve turnaround times.

However, exporters have raised concerns about recurring vessel omissions at the Port of Colombo. 

The Free Trade Zone Manufacturers’ Association, in a letter to Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka this month said omissions in recent months have led to shortages of raw materials, production delays and missed export deadlines. Industries dependent on just-in-time logistics, including garments, rubber and electronics, have reported disruptions and higher costs. 

The association said the omissions have reduced the reliability of Colombo as a transshipment hub and weakened buyer confidence.

The FTZMA urged the Ministry to work with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and shipping lines to improve yard efficiency, accelerate inter-terminal transfers, strengthen road connectivity and expedite the commissioning of the East Container Terminal and West Container Terminal. 

It also called for regular engagement with major carriers and clearer communication to exporters on measures being taken to stabilise port operations.