Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) says it will permit car importers to unload their cargo only in the Hambantota Port from March 2012.

SLPA Chairman Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama has said that the measure is taken due to heavy congestion at Colombo Port. Further the Colombo Port has less parking facilities and limited number of port terminals with the ongoing expansion of access roads.

There is no space for parking and the car carriers have to wait for nearly five to six days to clear their cargo before leaving the area.

However, if the dealers want their cars to be shipped to the Colombo Port they have to arrange for 'direct delivery' and have the preliminary inspection at their own yard and not at the port, according to the Chairman of the Ports Authority.
(FT-12122011)