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Friday, October 23 2026
Friday, October 23 2026
MONETABRIEF – Sri Lanka's China-backed Hambantota International Port Group said it was getting ready to handle import export cargo and further expand transshipment operations.
HIPG has boosted its transshipment handling with a service from MSC.
A planned container inspection centre is expected to facilitate gateway export import container handling from the first quarter of 2027.
"To attract more shipping lines and services, we also need gateway cargo," Bindu Ranasinghe, HIPG’s General Manager – Commercial and Marketing, said in a statement.
"Industrial development within and around the port, together with the inspection facilities we are establishing, will help create the conditions for that business to grow."
HIPG had moved into container transshipment with Red Sea disruptions. The Suez Canal was now re-opening for traffic.
"The Red Sea disruption advanced our container project," Ranasinghe said.
"Congestion in Colombo Port created a requirement for additional capacity, and we began accommodating overflow cargo...
"That experience encouraged us to proceed with a full-scale operation and further investment.
"With expanded capacity coming into place, we welcome the prospect of shipping returning more fully to the Suez route.”
HIPG is expecting to increase its container handling capacity to two million TEUs in the first quarter of 2027. (Colombo/Oct22/2026)
| 3 month bill | 9.26% | 1bp ▲ |
| 12-m bill | 9.95% | 2bp - |
| Gold (Ounce) | $4187 | - ▼ |
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