Califolink Logistics to invest Rs. 200 m

On automobile storage at Hambantota:

Shirajiv SIRIMANE

Califolink Logistics a subsidiary of Jinadasa Holdings will invest Rs. 200 million to build two automobile storage facilities in Hambantota and also for their fleet expansion.

Nimal Wijesinghe, CEO, Califolink Logistics said they have also signed agreements with leading automobile importers to begin clearing, conducting pre delivery inspection and transportation of cars from the Hambantota port from May 31.

This agreement will result in the company handling over 1,500 cars monthly making it the largest supply chain service provider for this sector.

The move by Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to shift the vehicle off loading to Hambantota from the Colombo port is to ease the congestion in the Colombo harbour which often leads to delays and in turn leading to higher freight rates by the lines and consequently increase the final selling price of the car.

Wijesinghe says Califolink will avoid this effect by using the state-of-the-art port in Hambantota. “We have five trailers and are looking at increasing our fleet,” he said.

“While we are fully capable of using either port having yards at both locations, we believe the Hambantota port is the most cost effective option. The long waiting time at the Colombo port coupled with new concessions offered at the Hambantota port justifies this,” he said.

The general feedback from the public is that they prefer to have new cars with low mileage less than 20 kilometres. “We’re able to help our clients in that aspect as well,” said Wijesinghe. “With the ability to transport up to 8 small vehicles or 24 three wheelers at a time our custom made trailers provide a cost effective mode of transporting vehicles to showrooms without the need of hiring several drivers and adding unwanted miles on the odometer. Our trailers are also equipped with GPS which allow clients to track their vehicles in real-time,” he added.