First vehicle shipment from Japan arrives at Hambantota Port

The Hambantota International Port (HIP) received its first vehicle shipment today (27) following the lifting of import restrictions.

The MV Jupiter Leader, operated by NYK Lanka (PVT) Ltd, arrived at the port, discharging a total of 378 vehicles from Japan, of which 196 were for the local market. The Japanese vehicles that arrived for the local market included Landcruisers, Hilux cabs, Prado SUVs, Toyota sedans and Suzuki Alto mini cars. HIP handled a total volume of 2318 units for this vessel transshipping 1940 units bound for African markets.

Issuing a statement, HIP stated that with the lifting of Sri Lanka's vehicle import ban, HIP is fully prepared to handle the anticipated increase in shipments. "Equipped with world-class infrastructure and a skilled workforce, the port is poised to play a key role in meeting the growing demand in the local automotive market," it further stressed. 

Pix by Rahul Samantha Hettiarachchi