This is an increase of 21.1% compared to the total container throughput of the Colombo Port for the corresponding period last year which was 297,911 TEUs. As a result, the first quarter volumes of Colombo this year have risen to 993,166 TEUs from 779,604 TEUs, the corresponding figure for the previous year. With the ever highest monthly container throughput being recorded for March this year, the Port of Colombo has marked a growth rate of 27.4%, showing signs of an economic boom in the immediate future.

Meanwhile, compared to the monthly container throughput for March last year by Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), which was 154,527 TEUs, it has recorded a container throughput of 178,808 TEUs in March this year reaching a growth rate of 15.7 % in comparison to the same period of both years.

SLPA Managing Director Capt. Nihal Keppetipola, commenting on the progressive moves in SLPA, said: "Shippers and lines have placed a clear demonstration of trust in the state-run terminal, JCT at SLPA at a time like this when Sri Lanka has brought its macro-economic fundamentals into good shape after a 30-year war baggage.

With Sri Lanka’s economy booming, SLPA must be fully vigilant on the emerging business windows and must try our best to maintain our present business momentum, he added.