Sri Lanka, March 3 -- On February 27, 2025, the Hambantota International Port (HIP) received its first vehicle shipment following the lifting of import restrictions.

MV Jupiter Leader, operated by NYK Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd, arrived at the port, discharging a total of 378 vehicles from Japan, of which 196 were for the local market. The Japanese vehicles that arrived for the local market included Landcruisers, Hilux cabs, Prado SUVs, Toyota sedans and Suzuki Alto mini cars. The HIP handled a total volume of 2318 units for this vessel, transshipping 1940 units bound for the African markets.

With the lifting of Sri Lanka's vehicle import ban, the HIP is fully prepared to handle the anticipated increase in shipments. Equipped with world-class in...