Hambantota International Port Remains Fully Operational Despite Extreme Weather

As Sri Lanka experiences one of the worst flood situations recorded in its history, which has crippled national infrastructure and forced operations to suspend at the Port of Colombo, Hambantota International Port (HIP) has remained fully operational, reinforcing its strategic importance as the country’s second major commercial hub. Although Hambantota also faced heavy rains, it lay outside the storm’s direct path, enabling continuous port activity.

“While the bad weather did affect Hambantota to an extent, conditions here were far better than in Colombo and along the western coastline,” said Bindu Ranasinghe, Deputy General Manager - Commercial & Marketing, of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG). “Our teams, across operations, navigation, marine services, security and outsourced personnel, demonstrated exceptional resilience. Thanks to their commitment, HIP continued to operate 24/7 without suspension, throughout adverse weather.

The past week clearly highlighted the national necessity of a second fully functional international port capable of handling every category of cargo. The disruptions along the western coastline reinforced HIP’s importance as a reliable alternative when other ports face weather-related constraints. “HIP's ability to process container, RORO, bulk, and oil & gas cargo under challenging conditions is a clear statement of its value as a critical national asset,” Ranasinghe emphasised.

This strategic role became particularly evident when an LPG vessel, unable to discharge in Colombo due to adverse weather conditions, was diverted to Hambantota. At the request of LAUGFS, based on instructions from the Ministry of Finance and the Commissioner of Essential Services, and further coordinated through the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, HIP facilitated the arrival and discharge of the LPG carrier PGC PATRES. This intervention highlighted the port’s readiness and capability to support the nation during critical contingencies. Bindu Ranasinghe noted that HIP is fully equipped to handle such vessels safely and efficiently, ensuring continuity in essential supply chains.

Despite heavy intermittent rainfall, HIP did not experience any slowdown significant enough to halt operations. Container and RORO handling continued with only minor, precautionary adjustments to protect cargo from exposure. Bulk operations, which are often paused at ports worldwide during rain, proceeded uninterrupted thanks to HIP’s enclosed warehouse system that ensured full protection and zero contamination. Navigation teams also berthed and unberthed vessels without delay, maintaining safe and efficient movement even under challenging weather conditions.

The port’s strong performance comes during what is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for HIP. RORO throughput is expected to reach the highest levels in the port’s history, while container volumes are on course for an all-time high. Bulk cargo volumes are similarly projected to hit record levels, and HIP’s total TEU movement has already surpassed eight times last year’s figures. Wilson Qu, CEO of HIPG and HIPG Management, confirmed that 2025 will end as one of the port’s best operational years, highlighting how teams successfully managed unusually high and often unexpected surges in import volumes.

The past week’s events have reinforced the strategic value of Hambantota International Port as a dependable, all-weather facility that strengthens Sri Lanka’s maritime resilience. HIP remains fully operational and continues to support the nation’s import, export, energy, and logistics needs without interruption.