Sri Lanka Shippers' Council lauds Hambantota Port's Impact on Economy

Council Chairman Sean van Dort, leading the 42-member team, expressed satisfaction with HIP’s progress since 2017, noting the port’s transformation and potential. “This facility has only grown stronger, and we are confident it will become a diamond in Sri Lanka’s crown,” he remarked.

The visit involved inspections of HIP's facilities and discussions with port management on future plans and corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects. The Shippers' Council inquired about attracting additional shipping lines and establishing a feeder service from Hambantota to Colombo. HIP management shared that discussions with shipping lines are ongoing, though current trade volumes don’t yet support a dedicated feeder service.

Honorary Council Member Chullante Jayasuriya, visiting for the second time, praised the port’s progress since his first visit in 2016. “HIP’s development has been remarkable. The plans presented by HIP’s senior management are promising, and I have high hopes for the port’s future as a world-class hub in southern Sri Lanka,” he said.

On their 2016 visit to HIP, to mark the new Shippers Council’s 50th anniversary, council members marked their visit by planting 50 king coconut and cashew trees. Continuing their support for HIP’s green initiatives, they planted additional king coconut trees this time.

Council members also discussed the need for better connectivity, suggesting a rail link between Hambantota and Colombo to reduce transport costs and ease congestion. HIP’s Deputy General Manager, Bindu Ranasinghe, acknowledged the suggestion but noted rail infrastructure is outside the port’s current scope. However, he assured the Council of HIP’s commitment to finding cost-effective transport solutions.

The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council, representing a large part of the country’s import/export trade, remains dedicated to advancing shipping standards, preventing surcharge increases, settling trade disputes and supporting fair freight practices. Their visit to HIP underscores their support for the port’s role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s global trade presence in the southern region of the country.