Shipping from China to Sri Lanka

Sea Freight Service

Sea freight is the most cost-effective solution for large shipments and heavy cargo.
Main Chinese Ports: Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Tianjin, Xiamen
Main Ports in Sri Lanka:
Port of Colombo – largest container port, handling the majority of Sri Lanka’s imports
Port of Hambantota – secondary deep-water port, mainly for industrial and project cargo
Port of Trincomalee – minor port, mainly for bulk cargo and special shipments
Transit Time: China → Colombo/Hambantota: 18–30 days depending on shipping line and routing
Options:
FCL (Full Container Load) – for large shipments
LCL (Less than Container Load) – for small shipments
Breakbulk & Ro-Ro – for oversized machinery, vehicles, and industrial equipment

Air Freight Service

Air freight is the fastest option for urgent, high-value, or perishable goods.
Main Chinese Airports: Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing Capital (PEK), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Shenzhen Bao’an (SZX), Hong Kong International (HKG)
Main Airports in Sri Lanka:
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) – Colombo, primary cargo hub
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) – southern region, smaller cargo operations
Transit Time: 3–7 days (airport-to-airport) + 1–2 days for customs clearance
Suitable For: Electronics, textiles, garments, pharmaceuticals, perishable foods, machinery, and high-value goods

Rail and Multimodal Transport Service

Sri Lanka has a limited domestic rail network for cargo, primarily for internal distribution rather than international connections. Multimodal solutions can be implemented:
Cargo arrives at Port of Colombo or Hambantota, then transported by road or rail to Colombo, Kandy, Galle, or industrial zones
Transit time (sea + inland distribution): 20–35 days depending on routing