April 08, Colombo (LNW): Shares of Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) saw a notable uptick on Tuesday as investor sentiment strengthened following the formal launch of operations at the newly built Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) in Sri Lanka.
The stock rose 3.6 per cent during intraday trading on the Bombay Stock Exchange, reaching Rs. 1,151.95.
The terminal, located within the Port of Colombo, marks a significant milestone in regional infrastructure collaboration, developed under a tripartite public-private initiative involving India’s Adani Ports, Sri Lanka’s leading conglomerate John Keells Holdings PLC, and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
Conceived in 2022 and backed by an investment of approximately $800 million, the CWIT boasts a quay length of 1,400 metres and a berth depth of 20 metres, making it one of the most technically advanced maritime facilities in the region.
Once fully operational, the terminal is expected to process around 3.2 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually.
What sets CWIT apart is its distinction as Colombo’s first fully automated deep-water terminal, designed to drastically reduce vessel turnaround time and enhance the port’s handling efficiency.
This technological edge is anticipated to position the Sri Lankan capital as a formidable contender in the transshipment trade across South Asia and the wider Indian Ocean region.
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, hailed the commencement of operations as a landmark achievement, describing the terminal as “a symbol of deeper regional integration and a testament to what strategic partnerships can achieve in maritime infrastructure.”
He added that the development would bolster Sri Lanka’s role in global trade, establishing it firmly on the world’s maritime map.
Krishan Balendra, Chairperson of the John Keells Group, echoed the sentiment, stressing the strategic value of the terminal in shaping the country’s economic trajectory.
He noted that the success of the joint venture reflects Sri Lanka’s potential to become a key transshipment node, particularly for cargo flowing between East Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Despite recent volatility in the broader market, APSEZ has drawn renewed interest from investors. Analysts, citing data from Trendlyne, project an average target share price of Rs. 1,541, indicating a potential upside of 39 per cent from current levels. Market sentiment remains strong, with 15 analysts collectively rating the stock a ‘Strong Buy’.
However, the company’s stock has experienced headwinds over the past year, with a decline of 19 per cent year-on-year and a 9 per cent dip since the beginning of 2025.
Nevertheless, its current market capitalisation stands robust at around Rs. 2.4 lakh crore, reflecting continued investor confidence in its long-term growth strategy.
