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82 Sri Lanka Navy Journal

• Trincomalee Port Rehabilitation. Trincomalee Port, situated on
the northeastern coast of Sri Lanka, is undergoing rehabilitation and ex-
pansion to unlock its full potential as a strategic maritime asset. Develop-
ment plans for Trincomalee Port include the construction of new termi-
nals, dredging of harbor basins, and enhancement of port infrastructure
to accommodate larger vessels and increase cargo handling capacity. Trin-
comalee Port’s natural deep-water harbor and strategic location offer op-
portunities for transshipment, bulk cargo handling, and naval operations.
• Maritime Connectivity Projects. Sri Lanka is actively involved

in maritime connectivity projects aimed at improving maritime trans-
portation links and enhancing regional integration. Initiatives such as the
Colombo Port City project, the Hambantota Port Industrial Zone, and the
Southern Expressway Extension aim to strengthen maritime connectiv-
ity between Sri Lanka’s ports and hinterland areas, facilitate trade and
investment, and promote economic development along coastal regions.

• Multimodal Transportation Networks. Sri Lanka is investing in
the development of multimodal transportation networks to enhance con-
nectivity between its ports and inland logistics hubs. Infrastructure proj-
ects such as the Colombo-Kandy Expressway, the Central Expressway, and
the Matara-Kataragama Railway Line Extension improve connectivity be-
tween major ports and industrial centers, facilitating the seamless move-
ment of goods and passengers across different modes of transportation.
• Smart Port Technologies. Sri Lanka is embracing smart port
technologies to optimize port operations, enhance efficiency, and im-
prove customer service. The adoption of digital platforms, automation
systems, and real-time monitoring solutions enables Sri Lankan ports to
streamline cargo handling processes, reduce turnaround times, and en-
hance transparency in port operations. Smart port initiatives contribute
to enhancing Sri Lanka’s competitiveness as a maritime logistics hub and
attracting investment in port related industries.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka’s investments in maritime infrastructure, including port devel-
opment and maritime connectivity projects, hold immense economic benefits
and strategic implications for the country and the wider Indian Ocean region.
These infrastructure projects play a pivotal role in transforming Sri Lanka into
a dynamic maritime hub, capitalizing on its strategic location at the crossroads
of major maritime trade routes. Economically, the modernization and expansion
of ports such as Colombo, Hambantota, and Trincomalee stimulate economic
growth, create employment opportunities, and attract foreign investment. By
facilitating international trade and commerce, these projects bolster Sri Lanka’s