Colombo, Oct. 16 (Daily Mirror) - Hambantota International Port (HIP) handled the delivery of 167,569 vehicles between March 2025 and September 2026, providing continued support to vehicle importers amid rising demand and disruptions to vehicle movements.
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 during the first nine months of 2026, comprising 25,018 brand-new vehicles and 56,162 used vehicles.
The Vehicle Importers’ Association of Lanka (VIAL) has recognised Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) for its operational flexibility, responsiveness and practical assistance in addressing challenges faced by vehicle importers. The collaboration has focused on ensuring the efficient movement of vehicles through the Port while easing the financial burden on importers during exceptional market conditions.
VIAL represents more than 450 members across Sri Lanka, including established companies and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in vehicle imports and related services. The Association works with Sri Lanka Customs, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the Department of Motor Traffic, the Police and other relevant institutions on industry-related matters. It also advocates policy changes and represents its members’ interests before the Government and other authorities.
HIPG Chief Executive Officer Wilson Qu said the Association had provided an important channel for understanding the operational challenges faced by vehicle importers, enabling the Port to respond more effectively to changing market conditions.
“Meeting increased demand requires more than handling capacity. It requires a close understanding of our customers’ operational needs and the ability to respond when conditions change. Our work with VIAL reflects our commitment to efficient vehicle handling and to supporting the continuity of our customers’ supply chains. We value the Association’s recognition of that partnership,” he said.
HIPG has worked closely with VIAL to identify operational challenges and introduce timely measures to facilitate the smooth movement of vehicles. These included demurrage waivers and concessions during the period of vehicle import restrictions, when vehicles remained at the Port for extended periods. The measures were intended to facilitate cargo clearance and reduce the resulting financial burden on customers.
More recently, disruptions to vehicle transhipment through the Gulf region prompted HIPG to introduce a storage cap mechanism for affected vehicles. The initiative helped contain storage costs and provided customers with greater cost predictability during the disruption period.
HIPG General Manager – Commercial and Marketing Bindu Ranasinghe said the Port had focused on developing practical solutions to help importers manage costs and maintain efficient cargo movements.
“We have worked closely with VIAL to understand where importers need support and to develop practical responses. Whether through concessions for vehicles held during import restrictions or a storage cap during transhipment disruptions, our focus has been on helping customers manage costs and maintaining the efficient movement of their cargo. Beyond responding to immediate needs, we have worked to earn our customers’ trust and build relationships that can grow over the long term,” she said.
VIAL President Sampath Merenchige said HIPG had responded positively to challenges faced by vehicle importers during periods of increased demand and unexpected disruptions.
“HIPG has been responsive to the challenges faced by vehicle importers, both during the increase in demand and when unexpected disruptions have affected vehicle movements. Its willingness to work with us, provide timely operational solutions and introduce measures to help manage costs has been valuable to our members. We appreciate the Port’s continued support and flexibility,” he said.