Imported cars to move to H’tota

Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama yesterday stated that plans are underway to move imported cars to Hambantota.

He noted that discussions were ongoing with car importers to move the clearance facilities of all car imports from Colombo to the Hambantota harbour as it would bring several benefits to the businessmen.

“So far we have always had problems because thousands of cars are kept at the port awaiting clearance. The cars are kept outside of the port and the clearance delay results in more expense.

If the cars are instead brought to Hambantota then there is plenty of space and clearance would be faster. Importers would also have the benefit of reduced tariff charges. The only issue is the modality by which they can be transported to Colombo, otherwise the importers are keen,” he said.

Admitting that there was a need to set up a transhipment hub in Hambantota the Chairman remarked that they were looking for investors. “Not all the cars need to be brought to Colombo. The regional orders can be sent off but the rest must be brought.”

Responding to questions of when the rock in the Hambantota port would be cleared Dr. Wickrama insisted that the dredging would start again after the monsoon season is over and that the rock would be cleared a month after that.