Hambantota Port Group Clarifies Policies on Long-Stay Vehicles

The Hambantota International Port Group issued a clarification regarding its vehicle storage policies following media reports about the accumulation of long-stay vehicles. The port currently holds more than 50,000 vehicles, including 1,278 that have remained for over three months and 581 that have stayed for more than a year.

Management attributed these delays to local import sectors and legacy market conditions stemming from Sri Lanka's vehicle import restrictions. Many of the vehicles arrived before the port's 2017 management transition or prior to the 2020 restrictions. The company stated that storage charges serve as an operational tool to encourage timely clearance rather than as a primary revenue stream, noting that they use storage caps and demurrage waivers during regional disruptions.

To support automotive logistics, the port provides 10 days of free storage for imports and 21 days for transshipments. The company pledged to collaborate with Sri Lanka Customs and various importers to resolve legacy cases and clear the backlog.