Adani-JKH project’s with more than USD 808Mn after Indian PM visits!

The Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), Sri Lanka’s first fully automated container terminal, has officially commenced operations. With an investment of $800 million, this milestone project signifies a major leap forward in India–Sri Lanka infrastructure collaboration and is expected to provide a substantial boost to the island nation’s maritime economy. The terminal's operations began just a day after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day state visit to Sri Lanka.

Developed under a landmark 35-year Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) agreement, the $800 million project is being led by a consortium comprising India’s Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings PLC, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). This marks the Adani Group’s first major port venture in Sri Lanka and is a key addition to the expanding portfolio of Indian investments in the region.

“The commencement of operations at CWIT marks a momentous milestone in regional cooperation between India and Sri Lanka,” said Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, in a statement.
“Not only does this terminal represent the future of trade in the Indian Ocean, but its opening is also a proud moment for Sri Lanka, placing it firmly on the global maritime map. The CWIT project will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs locally and unlock immense economic value for the island nation.

It also stands as a shining example of the deep-rooted friendship and growing strategic ties between the two neighbours, and of what can be achieved through visionary public–private partnerships. Delivering this world-class facility in record time also reflects the Adani Group’s proven ability to efficiently execute large-scale, critical infrastructure projects anywhere in the world.”

Strategically located within the Port of Colombo—already one of South Asia’s busiest transshipment hubs—CWIT features a 1,400-metre quay and a depth of 20 metres. It is capable of handling 3.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually. As a fully automated terminal, CWIT is expected to alleviate congestion at the Colombo Port, significantly reduce vessel turnaround times, and enhance the port’s regional competitiveness.

Beyond improving port capacity, CWIT is set to make a significant contribution to Sri Lanka’s GDP by enhancing trade efficiency and generating employment. Its state-of-the-art automation positions it among the most advanced terminals in the region, setting new benchmarks in cargo handling.

For Sri Lanka, CWIT also represents a critical economic development initiative amid ongoing recovery efforts following the 2022 economic crisis. With debt restructuring underway and a renewed drive to attract foreign investment, the terminal stands as one of the largest private-sector infrastructure projects in the country’s recent history.

Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of John Keells Holdings, underscored the project’s long-term significance: “We are confident this development will elevate Colombo’s status as a leading transshipment hub and enhance regional trade connectivity.” The launch of CWIT follows a recent strengthening of India–Sri Lanka bilateral ties, with major investments flowing into energy, infrastructure, and logistics—further cementing India’s role as a key partner in Sri Lanka’s economic transformation.

Quoted from EconomyNext