By unusuma.lk on (LK time)
Govt pushes to catch up after corruption delays; Full completion still likely by 2026–27
Sri Lanka is aiming to complete at least 50% of the East Container Terminal (ECT) project at the Colombo Port by the end of 2025, despite facing serious setbacks due to past corruption and political meddling, according to Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake.
Speaking in Parliament on Friday (6), Minister Rathnayake admitted that although ECT’s construction was initially scheduled to begin in 2023, the project got badly delayed.
“Due to corruption and political interference, we couldn’t begin on time. Even if we start construction now, the full terminal won’t be ready until at least 2027,” he said.
💼 $585M Terminal Underway, With Fast-Tracking in Motion
In a renewed push, the government has designated ECT as a special national project following Cabinet approval in March 2024. The entire development will be carried out under the full ownership of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), ensuring state control over a crucial gateway of international trade.
With a $585 million budget in place, China Engineering and Access Engineering have been appointed as the main contractors for the construction phase.
The terminal will benefit from tax incentives similar to those offered to private operators under the Strategic Development Act and BOI Law—another move to attract investments and boost efficiency.
🚢 What to Expect from the New Terminal
Once completed, the East Container Terminal will be equipped with:
- A 1,400-metre-long jetty, allowing three large vessels to dock at the same time
- 12 gantry cranes and 40 transfer cranes
- A 75-hectare container yard
- An annual capacity of 3 million TEUs
- Semi-automated operations powered by digital systems
📍 North Port Feasibility Also in Progress
In related updates, Minister Rathnayake noted that SLPA has completed the initial feasibility study for the proposed North Port, a separate expansion project. The technical feasibility study is scheduled to begin in 2025 and will take about two years to finalise.