After the lease of the Hambantota harbour to the Chinese company, 146 ships has arrived and over 100,000 vehicles unloaded within six months, Capt. Ravindra Jayawickreme, CEO of Hambantota International Port Services (HIPS) said at a review meeting held in the administrative building of the harbour recently.
Jayawickreme said that, they have put a strong foundation to the harbour operations and would invest more in the next six months to add more infrastructure facilities. The management contemplates converting the harbour into a multi tasked facility with many optional services including container handing, supplying peripheral oil and other services to ships.
Furthermore, he said that, 146 ships have arrived in the first six months of 2018. They have unloaded and loaded 106,135 vehicles. Similarly, a number of cruise ships have arrived with tourists. The port has also set a CCTV camera system to strengthen the security and has taken measures provide facilities for customers including clearance facilities.
The port is jointly handled by the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), Hambantota International Port Services (HIPS) and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority . HIPG and HIPS own 85% of shares, while the Sri Lanka Port Authority a 15% stake.