Thai PM’s office delegation visits Hambantota International Port

Visiting delegation with HIPG team

A delegation from the Thai Prime Minister’s office visited the Hambantota International Port (HIP) to explore opportunities and understand how the port operates under the public-private partnership between the government of Sri Lanka and CM Port.  
The eight-member delegation included Deputy Directorate 8 Thailand Director Wannaporn Niyomthong, Royal Thai Embassy, New Delhi Minister Counsellor Surapat Phosaen and five analysts, accompanied by Royal Thai Embassy, Sri Lanka Counsellor Prangthip.

A detailed presentation covering the port’s facilities, current and potential business opportunities and future plans was made to the delegates by Port Investment Services Senior Manager Sabrina Edirisinghe. The presentation showcased six key areas HIP focuses on i.e. South Asia Energy Service Centre, South Asia RORO Transfer Centre, Maritime Service Centre, Industrial Park, Container Transfer Centre and Sri Lanka Bulk Cargo Distribution Centre.  The port’s plans to commence its first phase of container operations was also discussed.

“We see this visit as a follow up to the HIP team’s tour of the Port Authority of Thailand earlier this year. The free trade agreement Sri Lanka and Thailand is preparing to sign provides further impetus for these interactions and HIP wishes to engage with Thai businesses and investors on several levels. They have shown interest in the different pillars of the port’s activities and we hope to explore mutually beneficial business and investment opportunities,” said Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) COO Tissa Wickremasinghe.