2026-02-05 / Second Reading Debate: Institute of Real Estate Professionals Bill, Container Depot Operators Licensing Bill, and Licensing of Shipping Agents Amendment Bill - Opening Statements 2026-02-05
The Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation provided an update on the East Container Terminal (ECT), stating that the quay wall is complete, 10 of 20 yard lanes are operational, and full yard-to-quay connectivity and operations are expected by month-end, with truck-based operations to begin while straddle carrier procurement is finalised. He highlighted the importance of managing domestic cargo flows, which constitute 15 percent of Colombo Port's throughput, given the port's 85 percent transshipment dependency. The Deputy Minister outlined that the Container Depot Operators Licensing Bill would regulate depot services, service standards, and pricing, and would empower the Director General of Merchant Shipping to set minimum tariffs to maintain depot viability. He also noted that the opening of an elevated highway ramp would facilitate Green Channel routing for inland inspections, thereby reducing port congestion.
Thank you.
As noted, ECT’s quay wall is completed, 10 of 20 yard lanes are finished and tested, and the remaining lanes are over 70 percent complete. We expect to link the yard and quay and commence operations by month-end. While straddle carrier procurement is being finalized, truck-based operations will begin, with any efficiency dips mitigated by opening more lanes.
Colombo’s 85 percent transshipment share means the 15 percent domestic flow must be tightly managed to avoid knock-on effects. The Container Depot Operators Licensing Bill enables regulation of depot services, tracking, service standards, and pricing. The elevated highway ramp opening will allow Green Channel routing to inland inspection, reducing congestion. The Bill empowers the Director General of Merchant Shipping to set minimum tariffs where necessary to keep depots viable and efficient within the 20 km logistics footprint.