The Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT), operated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, commissioned its third berth on Friday, reports Xinhua.

Chairman Sirimevan Sarathchandra Ranasinghe said the terminal handled more than 500,000 TEU in 2025 despite incomplete infrastructure. He added that throughput is expected to rise significantly with the new berth, strengthening Colombo's role as a transshipment hub for the Indian subcontinent, Bay of Bengal and East-West trade routes.

Managing director Ganaka Hemachandra said remaining jetty works will be completed by mid-February, allowing full-scale operations. The facility is aiming to process 1.5 million TEU in 2026.

Mr Hemachandra noted that progress by SLPA and other terminal operators at Colombo is contributing to foreign exchange earnings, employment and trade connectivity.

Extending about 1,300 metres, the CECT adds deep-water capacity and quay length to handle large mainline vessels with minimal tidal restrictions. The new berth is expected to ease congestion, improve vessel scheduling and reinforce Colombo's reputation for efficient, high-volume container handling.