The project, recommended by a 2020 Asian Development Bank (ADB) study as a solution to current cargo congestion, has not yet received approval from the Finance Ministry

As a solution to the country’s pressing cargo congestion issue that costs millions of rupees a day and time wastage, the ADB, on a special request by the SL Customs conducted a comprehensive feasibility study on utilising a 25-acre land in Kerawalapitiya belonging to the Urban Development Authority in 2020.

Accordingly, the Rs.7 billion fully-fledged cargo clearing yard in Kerawalapitiya, once completed, will be able to accommodate 3,000 containers, higher than the present capacity of all three private container yards and the Colombo Port.

The Customs currently carries out cargo clearing work at three yards; Grayline 1 Yard, RCT Yard (Rank Container Terminal) in Orugodawatta, and Grayline 2 Yard in Grandpass. The three facilities together have a hoarding capacity of 17 acreage