Hambantota Port Sees First Used Vehicle Shipment since Import Ban Lifted
- CNL Reporter
- April 29, 2025
- Business News
- Hambantota Port
- 0 Comments
Hambantota International Port (HIP) received its first shipment of 1,560 used vehicles since Sri Lanka lifted the import ban, marking a key step in post-pandemic economic recovery.
The shipment, arriving on the RoRo vessel MV Viking Drive operated by Seven Seals Company Ltd., included four High and Heavy units and a mix of popular models such as Toyota Land Cruiser, Prado, BMW, and Honda Vezel from Japan.
Lance Zuo, HIPG’s GM of Commercial and Marketing, said the event reflects renewed market activity. Marine International Agencies Pvt Ltd., local agents for Seven Seals, previously helped develop HIP as a vehicle import hub and now plan to expand operations.
Operations Director Nimal Chandrasiri highlighted the port’s improved vehicle handling and security standards under HIPG management. With import demand rising, another shipment is expected in early May. This signals a positive turnaround for Sri Lanka’s vehicle import industry amid growing consumer confidence.
