Hambantota International Port enhances vehicle clearance efficiency

HAMBANTOTA International Port Group (HIPG) has responded decisively to recent complaints regarding delays in vehicle clearance.

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Since February 2025, over 9,150 vehicles, both used and brand new, have entered the country through the HIP, placing increased demand on port operations. In light of this, the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has implemented a series of system upgrades and procedural improvements at the port, to reduce bottlenecks and accelerate the clearing process.

The new processes allow vehicles to be cleared within 24 hours of submitting the required documentation, provided Customs formalities are properly completed. A key improvement in the new system is the decoupling of the customs clearance process from HIPG’s internal payment requirement. Vehicles that have been released by the Hambantota International Port (HIP) can now be moved to the Customs inspection bay immediately, even before the completion of port related payments. This proactive step ensures that payments are finalised in parallel, ensuring clearance proceeds without unnecessary delays.