The commissioning of Phase III of the Eastern Container Terminal (CECT) is expected to significantly boost container handling capacity at the Port of Colombo, with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) projecting more than 1.5 million container operations from the terminal in 2026.
Phase III of the CECT commenced operations today (23), allowing the terminal to handle three container vessels simultaneously. With this phase, 1,090 metres of the terminal’s total planned length of 1,300 metres has been completed, while 82 per cent of the remaining construction work is also nearing completion.
The start of operations was marked by the arrival of a container vessel operated by the CMA CGM Group, which is currently being handled at the terminal.
In 2025, the Eastern Container Terminal handled over 500,000 container operations, underscoring its growing role in port operations. The expanded capacity is expected to further enhance the Port of Colombo’s standing as a key re-export and transshipment hub in the South Asian region.
The SLPA said the expanded terminal would contribute to national economic growth, noting that improved efficiency in port development, stronger administration and increased employee participation—aligned with the new government’s policy direction—have supported the rapid progress of the project.
