The ground-breaking ceremony for the proposed Customs Import and Export Cargo Inspection Center at the Hambantota International Port (HIP) was held today (20 November 2025) at an auspicious time, marking the start of a key development to boost the port’s cargo processing capacity.

Construction of the new facility is expected to be completed within the next five to six months, enabling operations to begin by April 2026.

Director General of Customs Mr. Seevali Arukgoda, Hambantota International Port Group CEO Mr. Wilson Qu, and Rank Container Terminals Ltd Managing Director Mr. Ravi Wijeratne were among the dignitaries present at the ceremony.

HIPG CEO Mr. Wilson Qu noted that the port aims to increase container volumes to 2 million TEUs by 2027, and said the new inspection center will play an essential role in achieving this target.