Port of Colombo

 
Outline
 

 
Port of Colombo is the principal port of Sri Lanka located on the west coast of the country, and was developed in 1870's. It has developed as an important point of Europe – Asian trade lane or as a relay port to the various Indian ports since those days. The geographical location of the port has enabled it to become a leading port in South Asia catering for the transshipment trade in the region. Port of Colombo has developed into one of the best ports in Asia handling both conventional cargo, liquid, dry bulk, automobiles and containers. In fact Colombo has been acknowledged as one of the most economical ports in the region. The ports authority has introduced electronic data interchange techniques, electronic payment systems, communication technology by linking all port related institutions and major port users and the port computerized and information systems with a view to providing expeditions and effective port services to the user. Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA) whilst enhancing the status of Colombo as a hub port in the Indian Ocean, actions are being taken to develop other regional ports coming under the purview of the SLPA. And also construct a port in Hambantota (Magam Ruhunupura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port – MRMRP) to develop Sri Lanka as a shipping center in the entire South Asia region catering to local as well as international requirements, in keeping with the policies laid down by the Government of Sri Lanka.