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.