Hambantota Port launches relay hub operations.

Sri Lanka’s China-backed Hambantota Port significantly increased its container handling, processing 43,777 TEUs by mid-2024, compared to just 44 containers in 2023, following the start of container relay operations in April 2024.

The port aims to become a regional container transfer hub and is developing a dedicated container yard to support transshipment services. It also acquired new cranes to boost its handling capacity to 1 million TEUs annually. Meanwhile, Colombo Port handled 7.7 million containers in 2024, marking a 12.3% growth.