Terminal Technology & Trade Engagement (TT&TE) 2026
The Terminal Technology & Trade Engagement (TT&TE) 2026, held on 9th, 10th and 11th February 2026, successfully concluded with the participation of leading U.S. terminal technology providers and senior delegates representing all terminals of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). Organized under the Colombo Plan’s Maritime Advisory Programme the three-day engagement served as a high level platform to promote collaboration, innovation, and practical modernization strategies for Sri Lanka’s maritime sector.
A key highlight of the programme was the panel discussion on “AI in Container Terminals – Hype vs. Reality.” Moderated by Mr. Ramana Jampala, Chief Executive Officer of Avlino, the session explored the evolution of Artificial Intelligence in terminal operations, separating industry hype from operational realities and outlining a practical roadmap toward AI-driven decision-support systems. The distinguished panel featured Mr. Darshan Gunawardena, Director – Technology & Transformation (AI & Data) at Deloitte; Mr. Gauthaman Vasudevan, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Avlino; and Mr. Munish Kanwar, Chief Executive Officer of Colombo West International Terminal. The discussion was complemented by a Technical Workshop on AI-Based Optimization conducted by Mr. Ramana Jampala, providing hands-on insights into how advanced optimization and data-driven systems can enhance throughput, improve resource utilization, and strengthen operational efficiency.
The second panel discussion, which took place on 10th February, focused on Port Infrastructure & Modernization. Moderated by Mr. Upul Jinadasa, Former Chief Operating Officer Port Terminal Operations at South Asia Gateway Terminals, the session addressed critical topics including crane rail systems, electrification, automation, equipment upgrades, and sustainability initiatives. Panelists included Mr. Devendra Desshmukh, Managing Director of Crane Audit (Atlantic Track Representative); Mr. Ananda S. Premachandra, Consultant to the World Bank; and Mr. Upul Jinadasa. The discussion provided valuable insights into implementation challenges and strategic approaches required to modernize port infrastructure in line with global standards.
The third panel discussion, held on the closing day, 11th February, explored Leveraging Digitalization and AI/ML for Smarter Terminal Operations with Next-Generation Optimization. Moderated by Mr. Ramana Jampala, the session examined how terminals can maximize container volumes in the least amount of time and movements through digital tools, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Panelists included Ms. See Jean Lau, VP & General Manager Asia Pacific at Kaleris (Navis); Mr. Iresh Siriwardena, Chief Operating Officer of Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT); and Mr. Amal Rodrigo, Director – Ports & Terminals Shipping Services at Hayleys Advantis. The discussion emphasized optimization strategies to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and competitiveness in an increasingly demanding global trade environment.
With participation from leading U.S. companies Alvino, Kaleris (Navis), Atlantic Track International, TMEIC Port Solutions, and Hyster-Yale. TT&TE 2026 reinforced the value of international partnerships in advancing port security, efficiency, and productivity. As maritime trade continues to expand across the region, TT&TE 2026 marks another significant step toward building a smarter, more resilient, and future-ready Port of Colombo.
