Four players are in the running for the dredging and breakwater construction work and five to build and operate the first container terminal in the new $1.2 billion deep-water port next to Colombo.
"Our primary aim in giving out the first container terminal is to derive the maximum input to the revenue stream in the shortest possible time," Wickramasuriya said in an interview.
"We want a partner who can ramp up business quickly, and who can guarantee a steady revenue stream in the future.
"What we need urgently is expertise, track record and the ability to run mega-terminals and shift large amounts of cargo."
Bids have been called for the first of a potential four terminals in the new port which is designed to handle the biggest ships afloat with a draft of 16 metres and as long as 400 metres.