Sri Lanka, Oct. 16 -- The Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has failed to pay nearly Rs.140 million in municipal rates (taxes) due to the Hambantota Municipal Council (HMC) since 2017, Hambantota Mayor D.A. Gamini (SJB) revealed.

Speaking at the Council's monthly meeting, the Mayor said that during a discussion held last week with the Port management, it was disclosed that only around Rs. 1 million from the total outstanding amount had recently been credited to the Council's account through an online transaction. The Municipal Commissioner has confirmed receiving the payment, he added.

According to the Mayor, HIPG has been assessed for Rs. 6 million per quarter in municipal rates since 2017, based on valuations made by the Depa...