Tuesday Feb 03, 2026
Tuesday Feb 03, 2026
Tuesday, 3 February 2026 02:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
World Bank Group’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) has proposed an investment of up to $ 20 million to support the capacity expansion of John Keells Group’s South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) at the Port of Colombo.
The proposed funding is intended to finance the acquisition of new ship-to-shore cranes at SAGT. The investment structure includes the IFC’s Managed Co-Lending Portfolio Program (MCPP), with the balance expected to be provided by a parallel lender.
The IFC said the additional crane capacity is expected to enhance SAGT’s competitiveness and operational productivity, while also reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
SAGT operates an international container terminal at the Port of Colombo under a 30-year build-operate-transfer concession awarded in 1999 by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). The terminal serves as a major transshipment hub for South Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the Maldives.
The IFC was among the original financiers of the project, extending a $ 35 million loan and making a $ 7.3 million equity investment at the time. SAGT’s current shareholders include John Keells Holdings PLC, Maersk BV, APM Terminals BV, the SLPA, and Evergreen Marine S.A.
Beyond the project-specific funding, the IFC said the investment is expected to support the development of Sri Lanka’s maritime industry by strengthening Colombo Port’s regional role and improving sector sustainability through expanded access to long-term finance.
In a related development, the IFC recently announced plans to invest up to $ 40 million in CBL Investments Ltd., the holding company of Sri Lanka-based food manufacturing group CBL Group.
It also unveiled a $ 166 million financing and risk-sharing package to expand financial access for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), women-owned businesses, and the agri-business sector via Nations Trust Bank, Commercial Bank of Ceylon, and National Development Bank. The package comprised a $ 50 million loan, $ 80 million in Risk Sharing Facilities (RSFs), and $ 36 million in trade finance support.
