"Hambantota is being developed into a multipurpose port, which will provide a variety of services such as handling containers, break bulk, RORO, passenger, oil, bulk terminal, gas and project cargo. The port is slated to become one of a kind, as it will be the only port in the country, designed to handle the full gamut of services in the maritime and logistics area," said Cpt. Ravindra Jayawickreme, CEO of Hambantota International Port Services (HIPS).

"The port is slated to become one of a kind, as it will be the only port in the country, designed to handle the full gamut of services in the maritime and logistics area," he said, adding that just about six months into its operations, and the Hambantota port is gearing up to become the No. 1 port in the region

“We in Sri Lanka have all been aware of the advantages of this location for centuries now; it being just a little less than half a nautical mile from the sea lanes itself makes it obvious. But what was necessary to push this into the limelight, was the right partnerships and this is what CMPort brings to the table," Jayawickrema also said. 

The HIPS also added hat By implementing this Ship Supply Services at off port limits of Hambantota, the port also intends handling the refueling of vessels while they are on the move on the sea lanes. 

"All of these service are being introduced in planned phases and the port has already commissioned Atkins Limited a firm specialised in designing globally renowned ports, to fast track the masterplan of the port," the company said.