Business
CICT engineer invents potentially life-saving quick-release hook for use in mooring ships

Sri Lankan engineering ingenuity at Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) has given the maritime world a potentially life-saving innovation that eliminates the risks run while mooring large ships.A hydraulically-operated quick-release hook invented by CICT’s Senior Engineer Charith de Silva enables a fork lift operator towing a mooring rope that can weigh as much as a ton to be looped over a bollard, to instantly release the rope if the operator feels a pull in the opposite direction, preventing the forklift and possibly its operator being dragged into the sea by the ship’s movement.
The cleverly-designed quick-release hook installed on the counterweight behind the driver’s seat integrates with the forklift’s own hydraulic valve box, making it operable via the standard functional levers used by the operator to manipulate the machine, and enabling a split-second release of the mooring rope if necessary.Costing just Rs 400,000 to fabricate and install, the quick-release hook is to be fitted on four three-ton forklifts at CICT, and its inventor says he will make the design available to other port operators free of royalty, as its purpose is the safety of port workers and their equipment.
“This hook is particularly important when mooring the very large ships that call at CICT,” Mr de Silva said. “Their mooring ropes are very strong and heavy and cannot be dragged and tied to a bollard manually, so we have to use forklifts to tow the ropes. But if a rope is accidently winched back during the process, or the ship’s movement pulls the rope back, the forklift can be dragged along. This is the risk we set out to eliminate.”
“We came across multiple options in our research, but we wanted to find an in-house solution that was cost-effective, durable, reliable and safe, and most of all, as simple as possible to implement with existing materials and equipment within our terminal,” he added. “I am grateful to my team for all the inputs and to the management of CICT for the opportunity and the encouragement I received to look for a home-grown solution to a problem that is common to most terminals.”
Congratulating the inventor of the quick-release hook and his team, CICT CEO Jack Huang said: “Safety and efficiency are bywords for us, and we are constantly looking for ways to improve processes through innovation and technology. Our engineers are an excellent example of this approach and are an inspiration to their counterparts. We look forward to more innovations from them.”
Business
The Kingsbury, Colombo Appoints Nandana Wirasinha as GM

The Kingsbury announced on Friday the appointment of Nandana Wirasinha as its new General Manager. This pivotal appointment heralds an exciting chapter in the hotel’s journey as it continues to redefine excellence and innovation in Sri Lanka’s luxury hospitality landscape.
Wirasinha brings with him nearly three decades of international hospitality experience, having held senior leadership roles with some of the world’s most esteemed hotel brands. His distinguished career spans all facets of hotel management, including operations, revenue strategy, guest engagement, culinary excellence and operational efficiency. Of particular note are his accomplishments at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where he played a key role in delivering benchmark-setting service and guest satisfaction.
Renowned for his ability to build high-performing teams and drive sustained revenue growth, Wirasinha has a proven track record of elevating service standards across the board. During his tenure in the UAE, he led multiple award-winning restaurants in Abu Dhabi, four of which received the coveted Triple Black Hat status in the prestigious ‘What’s On Abu Dhabi Black Hat Guide’—widely considered the region’s equivalent of the Michelin Guide. His leadership has consistently translated into enhanced guest satisfaction, operational excellence, and outstanding business performance.
A committed lifelong learner, Wirasinha is an alumnus of Cornell University with a Certificate in Hotel Real Estate Investment and Asset Management. He also holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Tourism and Hospitality from The Emirates Academy, has completed the Cornell CXO Leadership Programme, and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Business Management at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Lanka.
Business
ComBank launches timely vehicle leasing promotion

As new vehicles begin arriving in the country after a lapse of several years, the Commercial Bank of Ceylon has announced it will support the aspirations of vehicle buyers with an attractive leasing package for a limited duration.
The Bank said it would offer special interest rates, customized payment plans, discounts on first-year insurance premiums, a waiver of 50% on commission fees with a minimum charge of Rs 10,000 on Letters of Credit opened, and a free credit card with joining fee and the first year’s annual fee waived off, for leasing facilities obtained before 31st May 2025.
Quick and hassle-free approval of leasing facilities and special discounts on vehicle spare parts would also be part of the package for these customers, the Bank said. These special benefits would apply to leases of unregistered vehicles.
Commercial Bank offers one of the lowest rentals on vehicle leases, Rs 1,598 for every Rs 100,000 for a seven-year lease.
Commercial Bank leasing customers have the option of tailor-made leasing options that suit individual income patterns, via the Bank’s Super Leasing and Hybrid Leasing facilities.
Business
Sri Lankan F&B Exporters Participate in Toronto trade show

More than 15 Sri Lankan food and beverage export companies participated in the SIAL Canada 2025 trade show held at Enercare Exhibition Centre, Toronto, from April 29 to May 1, the SL consulate in Toropnto said.
SIAL Canada is one of the major annual trade shows in the food and beverage sector in Canada, attracting over 1,000 exhibitors and brands from 44 countries, with more than 21,000 professionals from 77 countries in attendance, and representation from all Canadian provinces.
The Consul General visited the trade show and met with the representatives of Sri Lankan companies supporting their efforts to expand their business network with key supply chains and leading retail business entities in the Canadian market.
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