John Keells Logistics expands strategic engagement with Colombo West International Terminal
Daily FT: John Keells Logistics Ltd. (JKLL), one of Sri Lanka’s leading third-party logistics solutions providers, has successfully expanded its operational engagement with Colombo West International Terminal Ltd. (CWIT), through inter-terminal transport services within the Port of Colombo. This enhanced engagement further strengthens CWIT’s efforts to improve operational efficiency, reliability, and scalability across terminal activities.
Inter-terminal transport plays a critical role in modern port operations, requiring high levels of coordination, precision, and operational discipline. JKLL’s appointment for ITT operations reflects CWIT’s confidence in the company’s demonstrated capabilities in managing complex transport operations within a high-throughput port environment.
The ITT operations are underpinned by JKLL’s technology-enabled logistics framework, incorporating real-time fleet tracking, performance monitoring systems, and data-driven operational planning. These capabilities provide enhanced visibility and control over transport movements, while ensuring compliance with established safety, productivity, and service quality standards.
The awarding of this engagement to JKLL is a testament to the successful implementation of the Inter-Terminal Vehicle (ITV) operations undertaken by John Keells Logistics at CWIT during the previous year. The ITV assignment was executed through structured operating procedures and disciplined service delivery, contributing to improved cargo movement, operational coordination, and service continuity within the terminal. The performance outcomes of the ITV operations provided the basis for the subsequent expansion of the partnership into ITT services.
CWIT Chief Executive Officer Munish Kanwar said: “John Keells Logistics has demonstrated a consistent ability to manage complex logistics requirements with reliability and precision. We value this partnership and look forward to exploring further opportunities within the port as we continue to strengthen our operational capabilities.”
John Keells Logistics Chief Executive Officer Lasitha Manachanayake said: “We are pleased to expand our engagement with CWIT through the ITT operations. Our focus remains on delivering operational excellence through structured processes, technology integration, and delivering strengthened operational efficiency to CWIT, supported by greater transparency in operational planning and improved coordination across terminal operations.
The expanded engagement aligns with CWIT’s long-term strategy to enhance its role within Sri Lanka’s port infrastructure by strengthening inter-terminal transport capabilities and supporting future growth. The collaboration reflects a shared emphasis on operational excellence, process integrity, and long‑term sustainable performance that supports the continued development of terminal operations.OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s expanding business and trade sectors as well as the growing maritime industry have all added to the expansion of the country’s logistics sector. Given Sri Lanka’s strategic positioning in the Indian Ocean close to international shipping lanes and strong trade ties with many foreign countries, Sri Lanka’s maritime industry has been on a steady growth path with a target of eventually becoming a maritime hub in the region. All these factors have led to the expansion of Sri Lanka’s logistics industry with potential for further growth. The growth, expansion and profits recorded by businesses already engaged in the logistics sector and the increasing interest among foreign businesses/investors in exploring opportunities in the sector indicate the growing business potential in Sri Lanka’s logistics industry as well as related sectors. Given these factors foreign businesses/investors could confidently explore the expanding business/investment opportunities in Sri Lanka’s logistics sectors as well as sectors connected to it while also looking at entering the sector through partnerships or joint ventures with local businesses in the sector.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260318/Z_4 |