It has been recently confirmed that the Government is set to improve infrastructure, shipping and naval services through public private partnerships (PPPs) at the East Container Terminal and Bandaranaike Quay in the Colombo Port. As a way to promote cruise tourism the Government has decided to upgrade the existing facilities to international level, s the Bandaranaike Terminal is currently being used only for general cargo handling at present.

Two local conglomerates a Chinese company and other participants have shown keen interest in bidding for the Bandaranaike Quay development project. In addition, as a response to Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s (SLPA) recent call for Expression of Interest (EOI), some companies have already submitted their bids.

The SLPA has also called for Expressions of Interest for the East Container Terminal (ECT) of the Colombo Port as other terminals in the Colombo Port have been 85% or 93% privatised. It is expected that the ECT will be managed and operated as a common – user/open access terminal.