Nearly 1,000 imported luxury motor vehicles have reportedly been left unclaimed at Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port, according to sources from the Customs Department. The vehicles remain inside the port premises after importers failed to complete the clearance process.
The main issue appears to be the high demurrage charges attached to the shipments. With costs rising, importers have reportedly abandoned the vehicles instead of paying the fees needed to release them from the port.
The situation points to a significant buildup of uncleared automobiles at one of the country’s key maritime facilities. A stockpile of this size can create pressure on storage space and complicate customs handling, especially when the vehicles involved are high-value imports.
The case also underscores the financial strain surrounding vehicle imports in Sri Lanka, where added port-related charges can make clearance increasingly difficult. For now, the unclaimed vehicles remain parked at Hambantota Port as the backlog continues.
