By:Staff Writer

August 26, Colombo (LNW): SriLankan Airlines is set to significantly expand its cargo operations by the end of 2025, positioning Colombo as a vital regional hub for transhipment and e-commerce. The national carrier is on track to double its current cargo handling capacity at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) with the completion of a state-of-the-art cargo terminal—a key part of its long-term strategy to strengthen Sri Lanka’s role in global air logistics.

Currently handling 250,000 metric tons of freight annually, SriLankan Airlines’ new terminal will add another 250,000 metric tons to its capacity, boosting total throughput to over 500,000 metric tons per year. “We saw the need for expansion even before the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Shehan Fernando, Cargo Operations Manager at SriLankan Airlines. “Cargo volumes were on the rise, and we needed to plan ahead to meet future demand.”

Although global air freight volumes were impacted by the pandemic, construction of the terminal continued, underscoring the airline’s commitment to long-term development. The terminal building has now been completed, with final cabling and IT infrastructure installations underway. Authorities are expected to hand over the facility to the airline by the end of this year.

Strategically located in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is ideally positioned to serve as a regional cargo hub. Fernando noted that Colombo has the potential to divert excess cargo from India and facilitate shipments between Australia, Europe, and Southeast Asia. “Planes fly over our airspace every day. With this new terminal, we can become a key transhipment point in the region,” he explained.

Despite its potential, Colombo’s existing cargo infrastructure faces several constraints, particularly during peak periods. The expansion is therefore timely, with experts and stakeholders calling for further investment in supporting facilities such as road connectivity, customs clearance, digital logistics platforms, and temperature-controlled storage to fully unlock the benefits of the new terminal.

The upcoming terminal will be dedicated to imports, allowing the existing import terminal to be repurposed into a perishable goods centre and an e-commerce hub. This is crucial as demand grows for efficient handling of pharmaceuticals, fruits, seafood, and online retail shipments from platforms like AliExpress and eBay.

In addition, the reorganisation of current terminals will create specialised zones for exports, perishables, and virtual logistics, including a planned Korea hub. This modernised structure will enhance operational efficiency and diversify the range of cargo SriLankan Airlines can manage.

Fernando believes this development marks a turning point for the country’s air freight industry. “Business is changing—people are investing, importing, and getting into new ventures. With this upgrade, we aim to attract more business through Colombo and expand our role in global cargo movements.”

To fully realise this vision, stakeholders stress the urgent need for enhanced multimodal transport links, warehousing, and customs digitisation—critical elements for transforming Colombo into a leading logistics and e-commerce gateway in South Asia.

By:Staff Writer

August 26, Colombo (LNW): In a strategic move to modernize Sri Lanka’s agriculture and aquaculture sectors, the Export Development Board (EDB) has launched a series of awareness seminars promoting the adoption of smart technologies. These initiatives, recently held in the North Western and Central Provinces, aim to equip exporters, manufacturers, and suppliers with the technical know-how needed to increase productivity, ensure sustainability, and meet global standards.

More than 50 industry stakeholders attended the sessions, which focused on advanced agri-tech and aquaculture solutions designed to transform traditional practices. The seminars showcased a range of innovative devices and systems that integrate automation, renewable energy, and data-driven insights into farming operations.

A key focus was the introduction of solar-powered systems, including both on-grid and off-grid applications. Efficient solar-powered water pump systems tailored for irrigation and smart weather stations providing real-time environmental data were highlighted as crucial tools for mitigating the effects of climate change on farming.

Participants also explored smart soil moisture and nutrient management systems, along with devices for monitoring humidity, temperature, and pH levels. These tools enable precise input application, reduce waste, and improve crop health.

Automated irrigation systems and energy-efficient pump controls were presented as cost-effective solutions for efficient water management. In addition, remote plant monitoring systems, smart greenhouse technologies, and CCTV-based farm security systems showcased how integrated smart farming can enhance both productivity and security.

The seminar also introduced IoT-based monitoring platforms, AI-driven soil management tools, and drone technologies for fertilizer application, further underlining the potential of digital transformation in agriculture. Experts demonstrated how farm management software and transport data loggers could maintain the quality of perishable goods during transit.

For the aquaculture sector, the EDB presented specialized monitoring systems that ensure environmental parameters in aquatic farms are continuously tracked, ensuring healthier yields and export-ready quality.

By hosting these awareness sessions, the EDB reinforced its commitment to supporting exporters with practical knowledge and access to smart technologies. The board stated that similar programs will be rolled out across other regions, reflecting a nationwide push towards innovation-driven, export-ready agriculture and aquaculture.

This initiative positions Sri Lanka to better compete in global markets while ensuring its agricultural and aquaculture sectors remain resilient, sustainable, and technologically advanced.

By:Staff Writer

August 26, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s export sector is experiencing a strong resurgence in 2025, with total export earnings from January to July nearing the US$10 billion mark, according to recent data released by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) and Sri Lanka Customs. This milestone marks a 7.79% increase year-on-year and signals a potential breakthrough in the country’s trade performance after years of economic challenges.

Between January and July 2025, total export earnings reached US$9.99 billion, comprising both merchandise and services exports. With five months remaining in the year, experts are optimistic that Sri Lanka will surpass its annual export target of US$17 billion. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and CEO of the Export Development Board (EDB), stated that current momentum could see the country exceeding its set goals, provided current trends hold steady.

Merchandise exports have been particularly strong, totaling US$7.8 billion during the first seven months—a 7.22% rise compared to the same period in 2024. The month of July alone recorded US$1.3 billion in merchandise exports, showing a notable 15.37% year-on-year growth. Key contributors include the textile and apparel sector, gems and jewellery, and petroleum products.

Services exports, often overshadowed by physical goods, have emerged as a significant growth driver. Between January and July 2025, services exports surged to US$2.19 billion—a 9.86% increase from the previous year. Within this sector, ICT and BPM services accounted for US$897.5 million, up 7.23%, while transport and logistics services rose sharply by 21.24% to reach US$1.19 billion.

The services sector’s expansion is not only helping diversify Sri Lanka’s export basket but also providing high-value job opportunities, particularly in urban tech hubs. The growing emphasis on non-traditional exports reflects a deliberate shift towards modern, service-oriented economic structures.

Industry analysts credit the growth to improved competitiveness, wider market access, and targeted government incentives implemented over the past few years. However, there is cautious optimism about the future trajectory. Since the new government took office in September 2024, its long-term trade and economic policies remain largely undefined. While current export performance is encouraging, sustaining this momentum will depend on the clarity, consistency, and effectiveness of the government’s future strategies.

Investors and exporters are now watching closely for policy directions in areas such as trade agreements, regulatory reforms, tax structures, and investment incentives. Without clear signals, the sector’s growth could face headwinds, particularly amidst global economic uncertainties.