New Zealand High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, David Gregory Pine, visited the Hambantota International Port (HIP) on August 11, 2025, to gain firsthand knowledge on its development and growing international relevance. Accompanying him was Rasika Sumudhu Jayasinghe, Policy Adviser at the High Commission.

Deputy General Manager Commercial and Marketing of HIPG, Bindu Ranasinghe presenting High Commissioner Pine with a memento to mark the visit

The delegation was taken on a tour of HIP's state-of-the-art facilities and briefed on the port's multipurpose operations, ranging from container and bulk cargo handling to RORO services, energy logistics, and integrated industrial support. The visit opened meaningful dialogue around international collaboration and showcased HIP's increasing appeal as a logistics and maritime hub for regional and global partners.
Strategically located just 10 nautical miles from the busy East-West shipping route, HIP is fast gaining recognition as a key player in the Indian Ocean maritime corridor. Over the past year, the port has reported exceptional growth across multiple sectors, reiterating its position as an enabler of trade not just for Sri Lanka but for the wider region.

The New Zealand High Commission delegation with the HIP team

High Commissioner Pine's visit emphasises the growing international interest in HIP's role as a maritime gateway, and signals the potential for deeper engagement between Sri Lanka and New Zealand across trade, logistics, and investment.
Source: Hambantota International Port Group