Considered to be the largest and busiest port in Sri Lanka as well as in South Asia, the Port of Colombo serves as an important terminal in Asia due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean. The city of Colombo derives its name from “Kolomtota”, which dates back to the 14th century Kingdom of Kotte. “Kolomtota” was the first port used by merchants from China, India and Persia who came through the Silk Road to trade island’s famous spices. The Port of Colombo is located in Colombo on the southwestern shores on the Kelani River is known as one of the busiest ports in the world, and ranks among the top 35 ports of the world. Many Cargo services such as John Keells Group operate round the clock for faster turn around time than any other operator in the region.
The port’s natural geographic location is strategically positioned on the main East-West shipping route, linking the Far East with Africa, Europe, and the East Coast of the US, providing ideal connections to the trade in the Indian sub-continent. This makes the Port of Colombo a superb strategic hub. Port facilities include, 04 Feeder Berths, 07 Container Berths, 14 Quay Cranes, 12 Super-Post Panamax Cranes, 01 Twin lift Super-Post Panamax Crane, 04 Wall-mounted Gantries, 78 Rubber-tyred Gantries, 285 Terminal tractors and trailers. With the expansion of the Colombo South Harbour project, Colombo International Container Terminal was established and 12 Quay Cranes were added. Other facilities include the Bandaranaike Quay and Prince Vijaya Quay with four rail mounted quay cranes and warehouses.
The port is also the naval base for Sri Lanka Navy Western Fleet under the Commander Western Naval Area. It is home to the second tallest building in South Asia and is the center for many commercial interests.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.