Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama
yesterday stated that plans are underway to move imported cars to
Hambantota.
He noted that discussions were ongoing with car
importers to move the clearance facilities of all car imports from
Colombo to the Hambantota harbour as it would bring several benefits to
the businessmen.
“So far we have always had problems because thousands of cars are kept
at the port awaiting clearance. The cars are kept outside of the port
and the clearance delay results in more expense.
If the cars are instead brought to Hambantota then there is plenty
of space and clearance would be faster. Importers would also have the
benefit of reduced tariff charges. The only issue is the modality by
which they can be transported to Colombo, otherwise the importers are
keen,” he said.
Admitting that there was a need to set up a
transhipment hub in Hambantota the Chairman remarked that they were
looking for investors. “Not all the cars need to be brought to Colombo.
The regional orders can be sent off but the rest must be brought.”
Responding to questions of when the rock in the Hambantota port would
be cleared Dr. Wickrama insisted that the dredging would start again
after the monsoon season is over and that the rock would be cleared a
month after that.
Posted on Thursday, August 04, 2011 @ 02:47:20 LKT
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