Hambantota International Port (HIP) handled 167,569 vehicles from March 2025 through September 2026, as vehicle importers dealt with changing market conditions and disruptions to vehicle movements.
The port handled 86,389 vehicles between March and December 2025. This included 30,809 brand-new vehicles and 55,580 used vehicles.
A further 81,180 vehicles were handled up to September 2026. Of these, 25,018 were brand-new vehicles, and 56,162 were used vehicles.
The figures show that used vehicles made up the larger share of vehicles handled during both periods.
Support for Vehicle Importers
The Vehicle Importers’ Association of Lanka (VIAL) has recognised the support provided by Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) as importers faced operational challenges.
VIAL represents more than 450 members, including large companies and small and medium-sized businesses involved in vehicle imports and related services.
HIPG Chief Executive Officer Wilson Qu said regular discussions with VIAL helped the port understand the problems faced by importers and respond as market conditions changed.
During the period of vehicle import restrictions, HIPG provided demurrage waivers and concessions for vehicles that remained at the port for longer periods. These measures helped reduce storage-related costs while customers waited to clear their vehicles.
More recently, disruptions to vehicle transhipment through the Gulf region created another challenge for importers.
HIPG responded by introducing a storage cap mechanism for affected vehicles. The measure gave customers greater certainty over storage costs while the disruption continued.
Port Adjusts as Vehicle Trade Changes
HIPG General Manager – Commercial and Marketing Bindu Ranasinghe said the port worked with VIAL to identify where importers needed support.
He said the measures covered both vehicles held during import restrictions and vehicles affected by transhipment disruptions.
For vehicle importers, the support has focused on two practical issues: keeping vehicles moving and managing the costs that arise when cargo cannot move as planned.
The latest vehicle-handling figures also show the scale of activity at HIP as the vehicle import market adjusts to changing trade conditions.
Sampath Merenchige, President of VIAL, said HIPG had responded to the challenges faced by vehicle importers, both when demand increased and when disruptions affected vehicle movements.
He said the Port’s willingness to work with importers, provide timely operational solutions and introduce measures to manage costs had been valuable to VIAL members.
“We appreciate the Port’s continued support and flexibility,” Merenchige said.
Numbers & Indexes Ports & Shipping
Last modified: October 17, 2026
