Hambantota Port handles over 167,000 vehicles between March 2025 and September 2026

Hambantota International Port (HIP) delivered a total of 167,569 vehicles during the March–December 2025 period and the first nine months of 2026, according to a statement issued by Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG).

Of the total, 86,389 vehicles were delivered between March and December 2025, including 30,809 brand-new vehicles and 55,580 used vehicles.

A further 81,180 vehicles were delivered between January and September 2026, comprising 25,018 brand-new vehicles and 56,162 used vehicles.

HIPG stated that it had worked closely with the Vehicle Importers’ Association of Lanka (VIAL) to support vehicle importers amid increased demand and disruptions affecting vehicle movements.

The Association, which represents more than 450 members across Sri Lanka, has recognised HIPG’s operational flexibility and support in addressing challenges faced by vehicle importers.

According to HIPG, the Port provided demurrage waivers and concessions during vehicle import restrictions, when customers’ vehicles remained at the Port for extended periods.

More recently, disruptions to vehicle transhipment through the Gulf region prompted HIPG to introduce a storage cap mechanism to help affected importers manage costs.

HIPG Chief Executive Officer Wilson Qu said meeting increased demand required not only handling capacity but also an understanding of customers’ operational needs and the ability to respond to changing conditions.

Meanwhile, HIPG General Manager of Commercial and Marketing Bindu Ranasinghe said the Port’s focus had been on helping customers manage costs while ensuring the efficient movement of cargo.

VIAL President Sampath Merenchige also acknowledged HIPG’s responsiveness and flexibility, stating that its timely operational solutions and cost-management measures had been valuable to the Association’s members. (Newswire)

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