June 05, Colombo (LNW): The oldest container terminal at the Port of Colombo, the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT), is undergoing significant enhancements aimed at bolstering its operational capabilities. Scheduled for official unveiling by the end of June, these developments mark a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka’s maritime infrastructure.
Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, personally oversaw the progress during a recent inspection visit to the terminal. Among the notable upgrades are the installation of three state-of-the-art 45-meter high gantry cranes, an extension of the anchorage by 120 meters to reach a total of 1,400 meters, and the expansion of the container yard by an additional 13 acres. These improvements, coupled with the existing 14 gantry cranes, signify a substantial investment by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), totaling Rs 10 billion.
Upon completion, the terminal will accommodate two large container vessels simultaneously, streamlining the handling of Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) and significantly enhancing operational efficiency. SLPA anticipates a notable increase in container throughput, projecting a rise from the current 1.8 million to 2.5 million containers per year.
This ambitious undertaking underscores the commitment of Sri Lanka’s maritime authorities to modernize and optimize port facilities, positioning the country as a key player in global trade. The inspection visit was attended by high-ranking officials, including Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, SLPA Chairman Keith D. Bernard, Vice Chairman Gayan Alagewattege, Managing Director Prabath J. Malavige, as well as other key figures in port operations and management. Their presence highlights the strategic importance attached to this pivotal development in the nation’s maritime infrastructure.
