Amid disruptions to global shipping and trade caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Sri Lanka is emerging as an alternative transit hub for the transportation of high-value goods.
As an example, a shipment of 14 Italian-made Lamborghini luxury cars is being transported through Sri Lanka.
The vehicles were brought by sea from Italy to the Hambantota Port and were subsequently loaded into seven 40-foot containers before being transported to Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake.
From there, the vehicles were scheduled to be flown to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Doha in Qatar aboard a large cargo aircraft.
A representative of the Danish company handling the cargo operation said that Sri Lanka could gain significant economic benefits by serving as an alternative logistics corridor at a time when traditional trade routes have been disrupted by regional instability.
Some of the vehicles included in the shipment are reportedly valued at around Rs. 100 million, while the most expensive models are valued at up to Rs. 500 million.
The vehicles arrived at the Hambantota Port several days ago, while the aircraft carrying them was scheduled to depart from Katunayake for Dubai and Doha on the morning of August 21.
However, journalists who travelled to the airport to cover the operation, which could mark an important development for Sri Lanka's freight and logistics sector, reportedly faced unexpected obstacles.
Although journalists initially received assistance from airport authorities, SriLankan Airlines officials working in the export section of the Katunayake Air Cargo Village reportedly refused to allow them to cover the operation and asked them to leave the premises.
Questions have been raised over the decision to prevent journalists from covering an opportunity that could showcase Sri Lanka's emergence as an alternative freight and logistics hub to the international community.
Interestingly, while journalists were not permitted to cover the operation, members of the public gathered around the area were seen using their mobile phones to take photographs and videos of the luxury vehicles.
