‘Unloading vehicles at H’tota to go ahead’

16 April 2012 01:03 pm - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The decision to unload motor vehicles imported to Sri Lanka at Hambantota Port remains unchanged despite ‘disparaging remarks by some parties’, Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) said in a statement.

“SLPA would like to state that the ongoing process of handling ships carrying vehicles at Magam Ruhunupura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port from 31st May 2012 will remain as decided,” the statement noted.

According to SLPA, at present, due to non-availability of dedicated automobile terminal in the Port of Colombo and lack of yard storage areas, Roll-on Roll-off vessels have suffered long delays in berthing.

“This has in turn resulted in operators increasing freight rates to Colombo, and this increased freight cost has to be borne by Sri Lankan importers. Furthermore, major Ro-Ro operators could not promote automobile transshipment business over the Port of Colombo,” SLPA said.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 8

j Monday, 16 April 2012 01:16 PM

Good decision. Hambantota area has to be developed too.

Jazz Tuesday, 17 April 2012 06:39 AM

Good decision which has been made in the best interest of Colombo Port operations as well. Hambantota Port also stands to benefit.

veththa. Tuesday, 17 April 2012 07:00 AM

we need an another port in Mahiyangana, than our area also will be develop..!

Ashan Tuesday, 17 April 2012 07:18 AM

This is to increase revenue to Hambanthota Port, if not how are they suppose to pay the interest for the Chinese loans

iz Tuesday, 17 April 2012 08:00 AM

Now all of the ships have to travel an additional distance to unload. Not to mention the fact that all the vehicles need to travel back to the Capitol as well... What a waste of time and resources.

Private Eye Tuesday, 17 April 2012 07:58 AM

Obviously a bad idea, with vested interest.

Nodrog Tuesday, 17 April 2012 12:03 PM

This port was declared open prematurely just to boost some inflated egos. If it was opened after properly completing the work, ships would have definitely made use of the facilities. It will be the same with Mattala airport.

John Goyya Wednesday, 18 April 2012 06:58 AM

If the ships are coming from Japan or Thailand it will be less distance, no? Check a world map.

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

‘Unloading vehicles at H’tota to go ahead’

Comments - 8

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

New Visa procedure implemented

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

MIRROR CRICKET

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

How does CSK get best out of Pathirana?

TODAY'S HEADLINES

No footboard riding allowed, no liability for accidents: Railways Department

Six patients claim Rs.600 million from Keheliya and others for permanent loss of sight

SLPP, UNP initiates action for forming broad alliance

Here is the way!

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand

Sri Lanka secures third spot in South Asian Kurash Championship 2024

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Army forms committee to probe Diyatalawa Fox Hill Supercross accident