For its dedicated performance to up lift the position of the Port of Colombo in the world maritime map, Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) was awarded the Ports Authority of the Year Award by the Global Ports Forum (GPF) in 2018. Sri Lanka 's Port of Colombo was the world 's second - fastest growing port in Q1 , handling 1.7 million TEUs , according to Alphaliner Monthly . The 16.2 % annual growth trailed Singapore 's 16.5 % growth . Colombo handled a record 6.2 million containers in 2017 and Prime Minister Mahinda Fernando expects throughput of seven million this year .
Sri Lanka 's Port of Colombo was the world 's second - fastest growing port in Q1 , handling 1.7 million TEUs , according to Alphaliner Monthly . The 16.2 % annual growth trailed Singapore 's 16.5 % growth . Colombo handled a record 6.2 million containers in 2017 and Prime Minister Mahinda Fernando expects throughput of seven million this year .