Sri Lanka, with its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, boasts several ports that are crucial to its economy and maritime trade. These ports serve as important gateways for imports and exports, facilitating the movement of goods, commodities, and resources. Here are the most significant ports in Sri Lanka:
List of Largest Ports in Sri Lanka
| Port Name | Type of Cargo Ships | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Colombo | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 500 |
| Port of Hambantota | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 300 |
| Port of Galle | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 200 |
| Port of Trincomalee | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 150 |
| Port of Jaffna | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 100 |
| Port of Batticaloa | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 80 |
| Port of Kankesanthurai | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 70 |
| Port of Point Pedro | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 60 |
| Port of Oluvil | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 50 |
| Port of Kalpitiya | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 40 |
| Port of Beruwala | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 30 |
| Port of Puttalam | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 25 |
| Port of Tangalle | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 20 |
| Port of Mirissa | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 15 |
| Port of Nilaveli | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 10 |
Major Ports of Sri Lanka
1. Port of Colombo
The Port of Colombo is Sri Lanka’s largest and busiest seaport. It serves as a major hub for international trade, handling a wide variety of cargo including containers, automobiles, and bulk goods. Colombo’s strategic location along key international shipping routes between Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia makes it one of the most important transshipment hubs in the region. The port has extensive infrastructure, including container terminals, oil terminals, and facilities for handling general cargo, making it a critical point for global trade.
City Location: Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Latitude: 6.9271° N
Longitude: 79.8612° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Negombo | 40 | A3 Highway |
| Gampaha | 30 | A1 Highway |
| Kalutara | 50 | A2 Highway |
| Kandy | 115 | A1 Highway |
| Ratnapura | 100 | A8 Highway |
| Moratuwa | 20 | A2 Highway |
| Panadura | 30 | A2 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Colombo Fort Railway Station (Colombo)
- Colombo Pettah Railway Station (Colombo)
- Negombo Railway Station (Negombo)
- Gampaha Railway Station (Gampaha)
- Kandy Railway Station (Kandy)
2. Port of Hambantota
The Port of Hambantota is a newer port located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It is part of Sri Lanka’s plans to boost its maritime trade and become a key shipping hub in the Indian Ocean. The port is well-equipped for handling bulk cargo, containers, and oil shipments. Hambantota’s strategic location near major international shipping lanes is expected to strengthen its position in global trade as it continues to expand its infrastructure and capabilities.
City Location: Hambantota, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Latitude: 6.1244° N
Longitude: 81.1192° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Matara | 35 | A2 Highway |
| Galle | 120 | A2 Highway |
| Colombo | 240 | A2 Highway |
| Kataragama | 70 | A2 Highway |
| Tangalle | 30 | B506 Highway |
| Weligama | 50 | A2 Highway |
| Ambalantota | 20 | A2 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Hambantota Railway Station (Hambantota)
- Matara Railway Station (Matara)
- Galle Railway Station (Galle)
- Colombo Fort Railway Station (Colombo)
- Ratnapura Railway Station (Ratnapura)
3. Port of Kankesanthurai
Located in the northern part of Sri Lanka, the Port of Kankesanthurai serves the region as a vital port for both domestic and international shipping. Historically, the port has been important for the export of materials such as limestone and agricultural products. With ongoing infrastructure development, Kankesanthurai has become a key player in enhancing trade in the northern region, particularly following the end of the civil conflict.
City Location: Kankesanthurai, Northern Province, Sri Lanka
Latitude: 9.2270° N
Longitude: 80.2162° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Jaffna | 16 | A9 Highway |
| Kilinochchi | 80 | A9 Highway |
| Vavuniya | 130 | A9 Highway |
| Mannar | 190 | A14 Highway |
| Colombo | 370 | A9 Highway |
| Puttalam | 220 | A12 Highway |
| Kandy | 270 | A9 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Kankesanthurai Railway Station (Kankesanthurai)
- Jaffna Railway Station (Jaffna)
- Kilinochchi Railway Station (Kilinochchi)
- Vavuniya Railway Station (Vavuniya)
- Colombo Fort Railway Station (Colombo)
4. Port of Trincomalee
Trincomalee is one of Sri Lanka’s natural deep-water harbors, located on the northeastern coast. The port has a long history as a major center for shipping, with strategic importance for international trade and naval operations. Trincomalee serves as a critical point for handling bulk cargo, fuel, and containers. With its proximity to the East-West shipping lanes, Trincomalee is expected to become an increasingly important port in the region, particularly for trade with India and Southeast Asia.
City Location: Trincomalee, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka
Latitude: 8.5716° N
Longitude: 81.2239° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Batticaloa | 120 | A6 Highway |
| Kandy | 200 | A6 Highway |
| Colombo | 270 | A6 Highway |
| Jaffna | 180 | A9 Highway |
| Vavuniya | 250 | A9 Highway |
| Anuradhapura | 170 | A9 Highway |
| Polonnaruwa | 160 | A11 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Trincomalee Railway Station (Trincomalee)
- Batticaloa Railway Station (Batticaloa)
- Colombo Fort Railway Station (Colombo)
- Kandy Railway Station (Kandy)
- Jaffna Railway Station (Jaffna)
5. Port of Galle
The Port of Galle is a smaller, historic port located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. The port primarily handles cargo such as petroleum products, cement, and timber. Galle’s significance lies in its strategic location, serving both commercial and tourism-related maritime activities. The port’s cruise terminal is an important stop for luxury cruise ships, adding to its tourism potential.
City Location: Galle, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Latitude: 6.0535° N
Longitude: 80.2210° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 120 | A2 Highway |
| Matara | 40 | A2 Highway |
| Hambantota | 110 | A2 Highway |
| Weligama | 30 | A2 Highway |
| Kalutara | 80 | A2 Highway |
| Rathgama | 50 | B160 Highway |
| Hikkaduwa | 35 | A2 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Galle Railway Station (Galle)
- Matara Railway Station (Matara)
- Colombo Railway Station (Colombo)
- Weligama Railway Station (Weligama)
- Kalutara Railway Station (Kalutara)
6. Port of Colombo North
Colombo North is an extension of the main Port of Colombo. The port is strategically designed to handle increasing volumes of transshipment cargo, particularly containers. This section of the port primarily handles containerized goods and is expected to play a larger role in the future as Sri Lanka continues to expand its position as a major shipping hub in the Indian Ocean.
City Location: Colombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Latitude: 6.9271° N
Longitude: 79.8612° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Negombo | 35 | A3 Highway |
| Gampaha | 20 | A1 Highway |
| Kalutara | 40 | A2 Highway |
| Kandy | 110 | A1 Highway |
| Ratnapura | 90 | A8 Highway |
| Moratuwa | 10 | A2 Highway |
| Panadura | 20 | A2 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Colombo Fort Railway Station (Colombo)
- Colombo Pettah Railway Station (Colombo)
- Negombo Railway Station (Negombo)
- Gampaha Railway Station (Gampaha)
- Kandy Railway Station (Kandy)
7. Port of Kandy
The Port of Kandy is a lesser-known inland port located near the city of Kandy, and though it is not a maritime port in the traditional sense, it plays an important role in transporting goods via river routes. The port serves mainly the logistics needs of the central region of Sri Lanka, with cargo such as rice, agricultural products, and textiles being transported along the river system.
City Location: Kandy, Central Province, Sri Lanka
Latitude: 7.2906° N
Longitude: 80.6337° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 115 | A1 Highway |
| Nuwara Eliya | 75 | A5 Highway |
| Matale | 45 | A9 Highway |
| Kegalle | 60 | A8 Highway |
| Gampaha | 90 | A1 Highway |
| Ratnapura | 75 | A8 Highway |
| Dambulla | 80 | A6 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Kandy Railway Station (Kandy)
- Gampaha Railway Station (Gampaha)
- Colombo Railway Station (Colombo)
- Nuwara Eliya Railway Station (Nuwara Eliya)
- Ratnapura Railway Station (Ratnapura)
8. Port of Jaffna
Located in the northernmost part of Sri Lanka, Jaffna’s port is vital for local and regional trade, particularly in the export of agricultural products and seafood. Following the end of the civil conflict, Jaffna has been experiencing gradual growth, and its port is becoming more significant as a transshipment point for goods moving between Sri Lanka, India, and other South Asian countries.
City Location: Jaffna, Northern Province, Sri Lanka
Latitude: 9.6615° N
Longitude: 80.0217° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Vavuniya | 180 | A9 Highway |
| Kilinochchi | 100 | A9 Highway |
| Mannar | 160 | A14 Highway |
| Colombo | 350 | A9 Highway |
| Puttalam | 240 | A12 Highway |
| Jaffna | 10 | A9 Highway |
| Trincomalee | 280 | A6 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Jaffna Railway Station (Jaffna)
- Kilinochchi Railway Station (Kilinochchi)
- Vavuniya Railway Station (Vavuniya)
- Colombo Fort Railway Station (Colombo)
- Puttalam Railway Station (Puttalam)
9. Port of Beruwala
Beruwala, located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, is primarily known for its fisheries, but the port also handles general cargo, particularly for the local community. The port is a key point for exports such as fish and other marine products. The port’s facilities also cater to the tourism sector, with increasing numbers of small vessels visiting for recreational activities.
City Location: Beruwala, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Latitude: 6.5921° N
Longitude: 79.9814° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 60 | A2 Highway |
| Galle | 120 | A2 Highway |
| Kalutara | 10 | A2 Highway |
| Ratnapura | 75 | A8 Highway |
| Moratuwa | 30 | A2 Highway |
| Panadura | 15 | A2 Highway |
| Matara | 100 | A2 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Beruwala Railway Station (Beruwala)
- Colombo Fort Railway Station (Colombo)
- Kalutara Railway Station (Kalutara)
- Ratnapura Railway Station (Ratnapura)
- Moratuwa Railway Station (Moratuwa)
10. Port of Negombo
Negombo is located on the western coast of Sri Lanka, just north of Colombo. The port is primarily used for fishing and local cargo, with seafood being one of the primary exports. Negombo’s port also supports regional trade, particularly in goods moving to and from Colombo, and serves the local agricultural sector with the transportation of products like rice and coconut.
City Location: Negombo, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Latitude: 7.2083° N
Longitude: 79.9743° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 40 | A3 Highway |
| Gampaha | 20 | A1 Highway |
| Kalutara | 60 | A2 Highway |
| Kandy | 115 | A1 Highway |
| Ratnapura | 100 | A8 Highway |
| Moratuwa | 30 | A2 Highway |
| Panadura | 40 | A2 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Negombo Railway Station (Negombo)
- Colombo Fort Railway Station (Colombo)
- Gampaha Railway Station (Gampaha)
- Kandy Railway Station (Kandy)
- Kalutara Railway Station (Kalutara)
11. Port of Trincomalee
Located on the northeastern coast, the Port of Trincomalee is one of the oldest natural deep-water harbors in Sri Lanka. The port has historically been a critical point for regional maritime trade, serving as a base for the export of mineral resources like limestone, as well as agricultural products. Trincomalee’s port is gaining attention for its potential in transshipment and trade with Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
City Location: Trincomalee, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka
Latitude: 8.5716° N
Longitude: 81.2239° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Batticaloa | 120 | A6 Highway |
| Kandy | 200 | A6 Highway |
| Colombo | 270 | A6 Highway |
| Jaffna | 180 | A9 Highway |
| Vavuniya | 250 | A9 Highway |
| Anuradhapura | 170 | A9 Highway |
| Polonnaruwa | 160 | A11 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Trincomalee Railway Station (Trincomalee)
- Batticaloa Railway Station (Batticaloa)
- Colombo Fort Railway Station (Colombo)
- Kandy Railway Station (Kandy)
- Jaffna Railway Station (Jaffna)
12. Port of Hambantota
Hambantota is a developing port on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Initially built to serve as a gateway for trade with the Indian subcontinent and East Africa, Hambantota has been expanded and modernized to accommodate increasing container traffic, bulk cargo, and cruise ships. The port plays a strategic role in enhancing the country’s maritime infrastructure and is part of Sri Lanka’s vision to become a global shipping hub.
City Location: Hambantota, Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Latitude: 6.1244° N
Longitude: 81.1192° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Matara | 35 | A2 Highway |
| Galle | 120 | A2 Highway |
| Colombo | 240 | A2 Highway |
| Kataragama | 70 | A2 Highway |
| Tangalle | 30 | B506 Highway |
| Weligama | 50 | A2 Highway |
| Ambalantota | 20 | A2 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Hambantota Railway Station (Hambantota)
- Matara Railway Station (Matara)
- Galle Railway Station (Galle)
- Colombo Fort Railway Station (Colombo)
- Ratnapura Railway Station (Ratnapura)
13. Port of Kandy
Kandy, located inland, has a port system that mainly facilitates river transport for agricultural products and general cargo. Although not a traditional maritime port, it serves a strategic role for inland transport across the central region of Sri Lanka, linking rural areas to the commercial hubs.
City Location: Kandy, Central Province, Sri Lanka
Latitude: 7.2906° N
Longitude: 80.6337° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 115 | A1 Highway |
| Nuwara Eliya | 75 | A5 Highway |
| Matale | 45 | A9 Highway |
| Kegalle | 60 | A8 Highway |
| Gampaha | 90 | A1 Highway |
| Ratnapura | 75 | A8 Highway |
| Dambulla | 80 | A6 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Kandy Railway Station (Kandy)
- Gampaha Railway Station (Gampaha)
- Colombo Railway Station (Colombo)
- Nuwara Eliya Railway Station (Nuwara Eliya)
- Ratnapura Railway Station (Ratnapura)
14. Port of Jaffna
Jaffna is a vital port city in the northern region of Sri Lanka, playing an important role in regional trade, particularly in the export of seafood and agricultural products. Following the end of the civil conflict, Jaffna has seen improvements in its port infrastructure, supporting trade with India and other parts of Asia.
City Location: Jaffna, Northern Province, Sri Lanka
Latitude: 9.6615° N
Longitude: 80.0217° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Vavuniya | 180 | A9 Highway |
| Kilinochchi | 100 | A9 Highway |
| Mannar | 160 | A14 Highway |
| Colombo | 350 | A9 Highway |
| Puttalam | 240 | A12 Highway |
| Jaffna | 10 | A9 Highway |
| Trincomalee | 280 | A6 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Jaffna Railway Station (Jaffna)
- Kilinochchi Railway Station (Kilinochchi)
- Vavuniya Railway Station (Vavuniya)
- Colombo Fort Railway Station (Colombo)
- Puttalam Railway Station (Puttalam)
15. Port of Beruwala
Beruwala, located on Sri Lanka’s southwestern coast, is primarily a fishing port but also serves as a key point for cargo and tourism activities. The port is increasingly being developed to handle a variety of goods, including fish, textiles, and small general cargo.
City Location: Beruwala, Western Province, Sri Lanka
Latitude: 6.5921° N
Longitude: 79.9814° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 60 | A2 Highway |
| Galle | 120 | A2 Highway |
| Kalutara | 10 | A2 Highway |
| Ratnapura | 75 | A8 Highway |
| Moratuwa | 30 | A2 Highway |
| Panadura | 20 | A2 Highway |
| Matara | 100 | A2 Highway |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Beruwala Railway Station (Beruwala)
- Colombo Fort Railway Station (Colombo)
- Kalutara Railway Station (Kalutara)
- Ratnapura Railway Station (Ratnapura)
- Moratuwa Railway Station (Moratuwa)