News

H’tota Int’l Port launches project to study coral species

Published

1 year ago

2025/03/25

Coral species thriving undisturbed adjacent to HIP breakwater

The Hambantota International Port has launched a project to study coral species that have grown across it, due to eco-conscious policies adopted by the HIP, according to the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG).

These policies have created a sanctuary for the natural growth of different species of coral along the Port’s breakwaters and on the artificial island, the HIPG says in a media statement.

Recently, the HIPG launched the Coral Reef Protection Project, which will protect and expand these colonies of coral growing within the Port.

“This project originates from the ecosystem nurtured by the Hambantota International Port. Several thriving coral colonies have developed within the Port’s channel and basin. Recently, we decided that it wasn’t enough to simply foster this natural growth—we also needed to investigate the phenomenon scientifically,” says Wilson Qu, CEO of HIPG.

Eco-conscious policies adopted by the Hambantota International Port (HIP) have created a sanctuary for the natural growth of different species of coral along the Port’s breakwaters and on the artificial island.

The Coral Reef Protection Project, which will protect and expand these colonies of coral growing within the Port, is a testament to HIPG’s steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability and its mission to preserve marine ecosystems while maintaining eco-friendly port operations.

The CEO of HIPG, speaking at the launch, emphasised the importance of sustainability to the company’s core mission. “Care for Planet is a fundamental aspect of our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework,” he said. “This vision is also a policy and goal set by our parent company, CM Port, and is deeply embedded in our approach at HIP. With the objective of aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those focused on climate action, life below water, and life on land, these goals serve as our compass, guiding our efforts to ensure a healthier planet today and for future generations.”

It is a testament to the HIPG’s steadfast commitment to environmental sustainability and its mission to preserve marine ecosystems while maintaining eco-friendly port operations, the HIPG said.

The Coral Reef Protection Project is an extension of the HIPG’s green port concept at the HIP, which is designed to minimize the port’s ecological footprint while striking a balance between industrial activity and environmental preservation, the HIPG said.

This project, a collaboration with the Ocean University of Sri Lanka (OCUSL), will conduct a comprehensive baseline study to assess coral cover, species diversity, and the presence of various marine organisms, such as fish, invertebrates and algae, according to the HIPG.

Dr. M.F.M. Fairoz, a marine scientist and a senior lecturer at the OCUSL, who will lead the monitoring efforts, said the project is not only an important environmental initiative but also an excellent opportunity for education and research.

“It provides university students with hands-on experience in marine biology and marine conservation, allowing them to participate in fieldwork and data analysis that will enhance their practical skills while contributing to cutting-edge marine research.”

Jeevan Premasara, Senior General Manager HR and Admin of HIP, says the Port will make significant long-term investment in the coral project. “The Port has committed an initial fund allocation of Rs. 1.2 million for the first phase of the project, which is expected to be completed by May 2025. Going forward, we have plans to collaborate with a top Sri Lankan university to support further research and human resource development.”

All News Advertisement

Latest News

Electricity tariffs to be increased from 1st April

Published

7 hours ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) has granted approval to increase electricity tariffs with effect from 1st April .

The Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) requested a 13.56% electricity tariff revision for the second quarter of this year.

The revision announced by the PUCSL for domestic consumers:

0–30 units category, electricity tariffs will rise by 4.3%,

31–60 units category, tariffs will rise by 6.9%,

61–90 units category, tariffs will rise by 6.9%,

91–120 units category, tariffs will rise by 7.2%,

Above 180 units, electricity tariffs will rise by 25.3%

The PUCSL has decided not to increase electricity tariffs for religious and charitable institutions that consume below 180 units monthly and a 9.6% increase for institutions that consume above 180 units.

Ectricity tariffs for the general and household consumer categories has been increased by 8%, while the electricity tariff increase for the industrial sector is 8.7%, the increase in tariff for government institutions is 14.4%.

News

A QR code system to be introduced for agricultural lands and other sectors requiring fuel

Published

16 hours ago

2026/03/30

Priyan

It was decided at the committee appointed to oversee the distribution of essential goods to appoint five officials from the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation to cover all ministries in order to examine fuel-related issues and undertake the necessary interventions.

It was further discussed that the responsibility of these officials would be to examine fuel-related issues arising in institutions under each ministry and to intervene in providing solutions by maintaining coordination with the Corporation.

These matters were discussed at a meeting of the committee appointed to oversee the distribution of essential goods, chaired by Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development Bimal Rathnayake held on Friday (27) at the Presidential Secretariat.

It was also noted, with particular attention, that requests have been made by industrialists indicating that the current fuel quota allocated to vehicles for the distribution of their products across the country is insufficient. It was further discussed that, if these concerns are not addressed, there is a likelihood of an increase in the prices of goods, which could in turn cause significant hardship to the public during the festive season.

The committee also discussed the issuance of fuel for the distribution of essential food items by state and private institutions, including supermarkets such as Sathosa, wholesale importers, tourism-related service providers, hotels and other service-providing organisations.

Accordingly, it was discussed that requests for fuel quotas submitted by these institutions should be carefully considered and prompt action taken as necessary and that such requests should be forwarded to the Ministry of Energy through the relevant ministries.

Attention was also drawn to the need for the swift implementation of a QR code system for the issuance of fuel to other sectors, including agriculture and the fisheries industry, based on letters issued on the recommendations of the relevant government officials, including agricultural research officers, instead of the previous method of direct fuel allocation.

Minister Bimal Rathnayake emphasised the need to ensure a continuous and properly managed fuel supply, with particular focus on providing goods to the public without shortages and preventing excessive price increases during the forthcoming Sinhala and Hindu New Year season.

The discussion was attended by a group of government officials, including Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Wasantha Samarasinghe, Deputy Minister of Power Arkam Ilyas, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Kapila Janaka Bandara and Chairman of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation, D. J. Rajakaruna.

News

Inquiry into female employee’s complaint: Retired HC Judge’s recommendations ignored

Published

20 hours ago

2026/03/30

Thilina Walpola

Speaker Wickramaratne receiving the report from retired HC Judge Alahapperuma. Secretary General of Parliament Rohanadeera stands next to the Speaker (file photo)

Parliament:

… sexual harassment claims dismissed

Recommendations made by retired High Court Judge Ms. Sujatha Alahapperuma, following an inquiry into claims by a female employee of the Department of Information Systems and Management of Parliament, regarding sexual harassment, denial of due salary increments and other forms of harassment, were yet to be implemented, sources familiar with the investigation said.

The retired HC Judge handed over the report to Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne on 24 November, 2025. Secretary General of Parliament Kushani Rohanadeera was also present on that occasion.

The retired judge has recommended that administrative decisions be taken expeditiously to grant her salary increments due for 2024 and 2025, reevaluation of all employees attached to the Department of Information Systems and Management and keep them under close scrutiny and strengthening of the ‘Helpdesk’ to meet the requirements.

Sources said that none of the recommendations have been implemented and the concerned employee in spite of still being the Senior Helpdesk coordinator remained attached to the Supplies and Services Office. She had been ordered to report to the Supplies and Services Office in January 2025 following a continuing dispute with the top management of the Department of Information Systems and Management.

Parliamentary Staff Advisory Committee on 25.07.2025 decided to conduct an external investigation into the issue after the employee refused to accept the outcome of the internal inquiry conducted in the wake of SJB lawmaker Mujibur Rahman raising the issue in Parliament.

The retired judge has emphasised the urgent need to take tangible measures to address administrative issues with a view to enhance discipline and human resources management among other issues.

However, the retired judge has declared that the complainant or any other female employee attached to the of Department of Information Systems and Management hadn’t been subjected to any form of sexual harassment as alleged.

The retired judge further asserted that the complainant had been prejudicially treated by two interview boards when she appeared before them seeking posts of Database Administrator and Parliament Officer.

The retired judge has also asserted that the Supplies and Services Office where the complaint continued to serve even now was not suitable and not in line with her qualifications. Some of those who had appeared before the retired judge during the inquiry claimed that was a temporary transfer. However, the report dismissed that claim declaring that transfer appeared to have been done outside acceptable procedure and her increments stopped without giving any justifiable reason.

The retired judge has stated that for want of proper procedures and systems, the administration seems to be in turmoil.

By Shamindra Ferdinando