Hambantota Port begins construction of new customs cargo inspection Centre

Hambantota International Port (HIP) has launched construction of a new Customs Import and Export Cargo Inspection Centre, following a ground-breaking ceremony held on 20 November 2025. The event, conducted at an auspicious time in keeping with local tradition, marks the start of a strategic infrastructure upgrade designed to strengthen the port’s cargo handling efficiency.

The facility is slated for completion within five to six months, paving the way for operations to commence by April 2026. Once operational, the centre will significantly streamline the examination and clearance of import and export cargo, reducing processing times and improving overall logistics flow through the port.

The ceremony was attended by several key officials, including Director General of Customs Seevali Arukgoda, Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) CEO Wilson Qu, and Rank Container Terminals Ltd Managing Director Ravi Wijeratne, underscoring the project’s importance to Sri Lanka’s maritime sector.

The port is targeting a substantial rise in throughput, aiming to boost annual container volumes to 2 million TEUs by 2027. The new inspection centre is a critical enabler of that ambition, as it will enhance customs coordination, improve transparency in cargo checks, and support the port’s broader expansion plans.

The development forms part of HIP’s ongoing efforts to position Hambantota as a competitive transshipment and logistics hub in the Indian Ocean, offering faster, more efficient services to global shipping lines and regional trade partners.