News
Hambantota International Port upbeat about its prospects after Lloyd’s certification
The Hambantota International Port (HIP), which continues to come under attack by the Opposition, has said it expects an impressive growth in time to come.
The HIP has in a media statement said it has received FSS certification (Fitness for Service) for their tank farm facility.
“The certification was issued by Lloyd’s Register (LR), the World’s leading provider of classification, compliance and consultancy services to marine and offshore industries. This is a landmark achievement that will further strengthen the HIP brand in the maritime world.
“The port was awarded Lloyd’s certification, after a comprehensive approval process and an impartial third-party assessment. The entire process was handled by HIP’s Department of Energy Services who worked with Lloyd’s Register Marine & Offshore Asia LLP, in achieving the recognition.
“Located just 10 nautical miles (19 km), from the world’s busiest maritime route linking Europe and Asia, HIP’s fully functioning tank farm facility for bunker fuel supply, provides a huge advantage to the vast number of vessels plying this route.
“The high performance in bunkering volumes handled by HIP last year, underpins the potential the port has for this business. Johnson Liu, CEO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) says the recognition by a trusted International organisation like the Lloyd’s Register, will not only strengthen the confidence the international maritime community has in the port, but will also help boost Sri Lanka’s oil and gas industry.
“As we enter the new year, we are confident that we will see phenomenal growth rates not only in bunkering but also in other services offered by HIP. As much as we see the importance of safety protocols being maintained to the highest standards within the port, we are also confident that our efficiency in delivery continues to improve. It is the combination of all these factors that fuel our growth,” says the CEO.
There were two phases to the oil tank refurbishment project undertaken by HIPG. Both phases, i.e. the oil storage terminal and two oil jetties have been awarded FFS Certification by Lloyd’s. The storage network has 11 tanks, associated pipelines and eight loading/unloading arms of two jetties, which are all included in the certification. Currently HIP has a maximum storage capacity of 51,000 m3 for Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and 23,000 m3 for Marine Diesel Oil (MDO), held in utmost safe conditions, verified by Lloyds.
The certification is in line with HIP’s objective of providing bunker fuels and related products that are compliant with international maritime organisation (IMO) standards. The IMO introduced a 0.5% m/m (mass by mass) Sulphur cap on bunkers for ships operating outside emission control areas in January 2020. With this regulation, the use of VLSFO will see a considerable increase in comparison with HSFO (High Sulphur Fuel Oil).
News
Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project discussed in detail
A meeting between Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake and relevant ministry officials was held on Tuesday (08) at the Presidential Secretariat regarding the development plans to be implemented in Sri Lanka under three zones, in collaboration with the Surbana Jurong Institute of Singapore and 18 Ministries.
During the meeting it was discussed in detail regarding the plans for the Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project. The officials from Singapore-based urban planning and infrastructure consultancy Surbana Jurong also joined the discussion virtually.
Progress reports on the three projects were reviewed in detail and Dr. Kumanayake instructed the officials to identify any deficiencies and finalize the necessary actions within the next two weeks.
The discussion also addressed delays in securing necessary approvals for investments under the existing regulatory framework, as well as the urgent need to revise certain legislative instruments to better facilitate national development.
The meeting was attended by Secretary to the Prime Minister G.P. Saputhanthri, Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russel Aponsu, Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development, Construction and Housing U.G. Ranjith Ariyaratne, and several senior officials from the respective ministries.
News
Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]
The Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology has issued a Warm Weather Advisory for 09 April 2025
The public are warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, and Western provinces and in Monaragala district.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned below is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated. Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
Prof. Jayasumana raises possibility of Lanka ending up with “Quad’
Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa has said it is the responsibility of the NPP government to submit the MoUs/agreements that were recently signed with India to the respective Sectoral Oversight Committees (SOCs).
Premadasa said so when The Island raised the issue with him. He said that during his meeting with Premier Modi his focus had been on opening the Indian market for Sri Lankan garment exports.
The seven MoUs/agreements signed on 05 April included defence cooperation, energy, Eastern Province development and digitalisation.
Meanwhile, the Vice President of Sarvajana Balaya and former lawmaker Prof. Channa Jayasumana said that the government owed an explanation whether the recently signed MoU on defence cooperation directly or indirectly attached Sri Lanka to the Quad security alliance, consisting of the US, Australia, Japan and India.
The former SLPPer raised the issue at a meeting held at Boralesgamuwa on Monday (07) in support of Sarvajana Balaya candidates contesting the May 6 LG polls.
Prof. Jayasumana urged that the MoU on Defence Cooperation be placed before Parliament, and the people, without further delay. The academic who served as State Health Minister during President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s tenure said that President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s foreign policy direction should be dealt with.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
Colombo Metropolitan Region, Eastern Development Plan and the Greater Hambantota Project discussed in detail
IPL 2025: Sensational Priyansh Arya condemns Chennai Super Kings to another loss
Heat index at ‘Caution level’ in Northern, North-central, Eastern, North-western, Western provinces and Monaragala district today [09]
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