Colombo rethinks North Port project after Kelani flood

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority states that it has to wait until the formal study on the potential flood risk associated with the Kelani River for the commencement of the Colombo North Port project is completed, which is expected to take another year. It is reported that the construction work of this proposed project is likely to commence after 2027, i.e., after the completion of the West Container Terminal 2 (WCT 2) project.

Admiral (Retired) Sirimevan Ranasinghe, Chairman of the Ports Authority, pointed out that considering the massive nature of the Colombo North Port project, it cannot be completed in a short period and should be implemented systematically after a formal study to ensure no adverse effects. He specifically mentioned that since the proposed port project is being built near the mouth of the Kelani River, further studies are ongoing regarding its potential to cause flood situations.

For this purpose, the Department of Irrigation, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board, and the Ports Authority are jointly conducting further studies with the assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). These studies are expected to take approximately another year, and the preparation of engineering designs can only commence after receiving that report.

Commenting on the commencement of the breakwater construction for the Colombo North Port project, the Chairman stated that the construction of this new project would begin after the completion of the breakwater and terminal works of the West Terminal 2 project, which is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2027. It was also reported that AECOM, a UK-based company, had previously been appointed under an Asian Development Bank loan to conduct the feasibility study for this project.

The relevant feasibility report has examined various development options, and using a multi-criteria analysis, the most suitable plan has been selected from five alternatives. According to the finally selected plan, it is proposed to establish three container terminals with a capacity of 4,600 meters and a multi-purpose terminal with a length of 700 meters. Additionally, the plan includes allocating space for two oil berths and warehousing facilities.

The primary objective of this project is to expand port capacity to accommodate the anticipated growth in container and transshipment cargo until 2050. Accordingly, this proposed development project aims to provide additional capacity within a secure port to meet future cargo transportation needs.