Where is Hambantota Port located?

Hambantota Port, also known as the Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port, is a major maritime hub located in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka. It is an inland port built in a natural harbour near the town of Hambantota. Strategically situated close to major international shipping routes between Asia and Europe, such as the Suez Canal and the Strait of Malacca, it serves as a critical point for global maritime traffic [1]. The port gained international attention due to Sri Lanka's debt crisis, which led to a 99-year lease of a controlling stake to China Merchants Port Holdings in 2017 [2]. While India and Sri Lanka are separated by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar, this port represents a significant infrastructure development in India's southern maritime neighbour.

Sources

1. [1] https://www.britannica.com/place/Hambantota-port
2. [2] INDIA PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 1: India — Location > INDIA AND ITS NEIGHBOURS > p. 5