SLPA posts highest profit, up 12% YoY to Rs. 42.8 b in 2025 as improved operational performance and steady growth in port activity strengthened the financial position of Sri Lanka’s main maritime authority.
SLPA posts highest profit, up 12% YoY as Colombo port volumes grow
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) reported a record Group Profit After Tax (PAT) of Rs. 42.8 billion for the year ended 31 December 2025, marking a 12.1% increase compared to the previous year and surpassing its earlier peak recorded in 2022. The results highlight a year of strong earnings momentum, supported by higher revenues and operational efficiencies.
Group revenue rose 9.7% year-on-year to Rs. 81.8 billion, reflecting improved activity levels across port operations. Gross profit increased by 18.4% to Rs. 44.8 billion, while operating profit surged 20.2% to Rs. 55.2 billion. Profit Before Tax (PBT) also recorded robust growth, rising 23.9% to Rs. 57.1 billion, underscoring the strength of core business performance.
At the net level, PAT reached Rs. 42.8 billion, compared to Rs. 38.2 billion in 2024. However, profit attributable to the Group rose marginally by 0.6% to Rs. 37.8 billion, following a Rs. 5 billion contribution to the Consolidated Fund. This reflects the Authority’s continued role in supporting Government finances while maintaining profitability.
On a standalone basis, the SLPA posts highest profit, up 12% YoY trend was also evident, with revenue maintained at Rs. 81.8 billion and gross profit increasing 18.3% to Rs. 45 billion. Operating profit rose 20.7% to Rs. 55.1 billion, while PBT grew 23.6% to Rs. 57.3 billion. Net PAT for the standalone entity reached Rs. 43 billion, up 11.6%, indicating consistent performance across both group and individual operations.
The balance sheet also reflected expansion, with total assets increasing 6.1% to Rs. 807.6 billion by the end of 2025. Total equity rose to Rs. 651.4 billion, demonstrating strengthened capital reserves. Meanwhile, total borrowings increased to Rs. 86.9 billion from Rs. 72.4 billion in the previous year, driven by ongoing capital expenditure and infrastructure investments.
Short-term borrowings rose to Rs. 14.6 billion, while long-term borrowings increased to Rs. 72.3 billion, reflecting the Authority’s continued focus on financing strategic development projects. These investments are critical for enhancing capacity and maintaining competitiveness in the regional maritime sector.
Operational performance remained a key driver of financial growth. Container throughput at the Port of Colombo increased to 8.3 million TEUs in 2025, up from 7.9 million TEUs in the previous year. This growth indicates a recovery in port activity and reinforces Colombo’s position as a key transshipment hub in South Asia.
However, performance across terminals was mixed. SLPA-operated terminals handled 2.38 million TEUs, slightly down from the previous year, while South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) also recorded a decline to 1.94 million TEUs. In contrast, Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) maintained stable throughput at 3.35 million TEUs, continuing its role as the largest terminal operator.
A notable contributor to overall volume growth was the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT), which recorded a sharp increase in throughput to 718,226 TEUs from just 87,660 TEUs in 2024. The ramp-up of new capacity at CWIT played a decisive role in driving total port volumes higher, offsetting declines in other terminals.
The SLPA posts highest profit, up 12% YoY performance reflects not only improved operational metrics but also the strategic importance of capacity expansion and infrastructure development. The growth of CWIT highlights the impact of new investments in enhancing throughput and supporting long-term competitiveness.
Despite the positive financial and operational outcomes, the mixed performance across terminals suggests that further optimisation and efficiency improvements may be required. Strengthening performance at SLPA-operated facilities and ensuring balanced growth across all terminals will be key to sustaining momentum.
Looking ahead, the Authority’s financial trajectory will depend on global trade dynamics, regional competition, and the continued expansion of port infrastructure. As Sri Lanka seeks to position itself as a leading maritime hub, maintaining high levels of efficiency, service quality, and investment will be essential.
The SLPA posts highest profit, up 12% YoY milestone signals a strong recovery phase and reinforces the Authority’s role as a critical contributor to the national economy. With ongoing investments and rising port activity, SLPA appears well-positioned to sustain growth and capitalise on emerging opportunities in global shipping and logistics.