🚢 US Embassy Delegation Visits Strategic Hambantota Port (HIP)

• A high-level US Embassy delegation, led by Deputy Chief of Mission Jayne Howell and including defence/Indo-Pacific strategy officials, visited the Hambantota International Port (HIP). • HIP briefed the delegation on significant upgrades, including a $41 million crane expansion. • This expansion has increased container handling capacity to 1 million TEUs. • The Port showcased strong performance in vehicle handling, recording a 26% Year-on-Year (YoY) increase in throughput. • Vehicle volume reached approximately 700,000 units. • The visit reinforces HIP’s role as a growing multipurpose maritime hub and resilient logistics connector on a vital Indian Ocean shipping route.