Business
HIP: the region’s Port of Choice for ship repairs and layups
There has been an exponential increase in the number of vessels arriving at Hambantota International Port (HIP) for repairs and layups this year, marking a significant boost in its operational growth. From January to August 2024, the port hosted 23 vessels for these services, a remarkable 53% increase compared to the 15 vessels during the same period in 2023. Two vessels arrived in August alone, while a 3rd which had a 7 month layup at the port concluded its repairs in the same month, an HIP news release said.
Charaka Rupasinghe, Deputy General Manager – Marine Services and Fleet Management at HIP, says, “This particular market in port services is highly competitive and we already have several operators with different expertise offering their services from Hambantota International Port.
“With our capacity to accommodate vessels of all sizes for afloat and underwater repairs and the numerous berths we have allocated for this business, sometimes for extended periods, we expect this segment of our services to expand further in the coming year.
“In the case of ship repairs, not only our marketing teams but ship agents and repair companies also promote HIP, as their preferred location for repair and layout services. On our part, we provide them with the best facilities, state-of-the-art equipment and conditions on par with international standards to carry out their services uninterrupted.”
The release indicated shp repair work done at Hambantota this year.
Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel “Svetah Venetia” which spent seven months at the port for an extensive layup, successfully concluded the operation and departed on August 21. The vessel underwent a turret pipeline installation done by Colombo Dockyard and received a blow thruster installation and related repairs carried out by Dolphine Marine.
The M.V. ‘Ram Commander’ was at HIP from August 3 – 22 for short-term repairs. Harbour Serve Pvt. Ltd performed essential deck work on the vessel, including the replacement of vents and stair treads.
The most recent arrival is the bulk carrier “Archon Gabriel,” which docked at HIP on August 26 for maintenance of its steering gear’s hydraulic system. Repairs were carried out by maritime transportation company, CIAP Limited, and the vessel departed HIP on September 3.
“HIP operates under strict protocols of health and safety. We constantly monitor our standards which are aligned with CM Port’s global practices operating in 50 terminals across the world. Therefore, any vessel berthing at HIP can be assured of services that are of international standards. Our management and staff know what is expected of them and are committed to serve round the clock. The added advantage of the port is its location which is easily accessible to vessels plying the east-west shipping routes,” says Capt. Miyuru Gunasekara, General Manager, Hambantota International Port Services (HIPS).
“The current increase in vessel activity is a testament to HIP’s growing reputation as a key player in the ship repair and layup sector, reinforcing its role as a critical multipurpose hub in global maritime logistics,” the release concluded.
Business
Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled
A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).
The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.
Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.
Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.
The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.
He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.
Business
Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership
Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.
Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”
Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”
Business
Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive
Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.
For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.
The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.
Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.
Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”
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