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H’tota Port says it was fully operational during extreme weather
As Sri Lanka experienced one of the worst flood situations in its recorded history, which crippled national infrastructure and forced operations to suspend at the Port of Colombo, Hambantota International Port (HIP), however, remained fully operational, the HIP has said in a media statement. Although Hambantota also faced heavy rains, it lay outside the storm’s direct path, enabling continuous port activity, it said.
The statement issued by the company quoted Bindu Ranasinghe, Deputy General Manager – Commercial & Marketing, of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), as having said: “While the bad weather did affect Hambantota to an extent, conditions here were far better than in Colombo and along the western coastline,”. “Our teams, across operations, navigation, marine services, security and outsourced personnel, demonstrated exceptional resilience. Thanks to their commitment, HIP continued to operate 24/7 without suspension, throughout adverse weather.
The past week clearly highlighted the national necessity of a second fully functional international port capable of handling every category of cargo. The disruptions along the western coastline reinforced HIP’s importance as a reliable alternative when other ports face weather-related constraints. “HIP’s ability to process container, RORO, bulk, and oil and gas cargo, under challenging conditions, is a clear statement of its value as a critical national asset,” Ranasinghe emphasised.
This strategic role became particularly evident when an LPG vessel, unable to discharge in Colombo due to adverse weather conditions, was diverted to Hambantota. At the request of LAUGFS, based on instructions from the Ministry of Finance and the Commissioner of Essential Services, and further coordinated through the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, HIP facilitated the arrival and discharge of the LPG carrier PGC PATRES. This intervention highlighted the port’s readiness and capability to support the nation during critical contingencies. Bindu Ranasinghe noted that HIP is fully equipped to handle such vessels safely and efficiently, ensuring continuity in essential supply chains.
Despite heavy intermittent rainfall, HIP did not experience any slowdown significant enough to halt operations. Container and RORO handling continued with only minor, precautionary adjustments to protect cargo from exposure. Bulk operations, which are often paused at ports worldwide during rain, proceeded uninterrupted, thanks to HIP’s enclosed warehouse system that ensured full protection and zero contamination. Navigation teams also berthed and unberthed vessels without delay, maintaining safe and efficient movement, even under challenging weather conditions.
The Port’s strong performance comes during what is shaping up to be a record-breaking year for HIP. RORO throughput is expected to reach the highest levels in the Port’s history, while container volumes are on course for an all-time high. Bulk cargo volumes are similarly projected to hit record levels, and HIP’s total TEU movement has already surpassed eight times last year’s figures. Wilson Qu, CEO of HIPG and HIPG Management, confirmed that 2025 will end as one of the Port’s best operational years, highlighting how teams successfully managed unusually high and often unexpected surges in import volumes.
The past week’s events have reinforced the strategic value of Hambantota International Port as a dependable, all-weather facility that strengthens Sri Lanka’s maritime resilience. HIP remains fully operational and continues to support the nation’s import, export, energy, and logistics needs without interruption.
A meeting was held to discuss post-disaster planning and the reconstruction process, with special focus on flood-prone areas on Monday [8 th of December] at the Prime Minister’s Office under the patronage of the Prime Minister, and attended by representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the World Bank, and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the critical importance of timely and systematic information and data collection to support timely and effective decision-making on a daily basis following the post disaster situations. The Prime noted that accurate data flows are essential for guiding recovery efforts in the short and long term.
The Representatives outlined the need assessment process using RAPIDA and Global Rapid Post-Disaster Damage Estimation (GRADE), the UNDP’s post-crisis assessment initiated by integrating GIS technology, satellite imagery, and ground-level data, to deliver real-time, actionable insights after a crisis to helps identify affected locations, communities, infrastructure damage, debris estimates, and land use changes-providing crucial data.
The representatives of UNDP reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Government and they expressed their readiness to collaborate closely and to strengthen ongoing partnerships to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of post-disaster response and reconstruction activities.
The discussion was attended by the Country Manager for World Bank Dr. Gevorg Sargsyan, Resident Representatives for United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Ms. Azusa Kubota, South Asia Director for United Nations Office for Project Services ((UNOPS), and Secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Additional Secretary (Development) Ms Sagarika Bogahawaththa and officials from the Department of National Planning.
[Prime minister’s media division]
News
Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation donates Rs. 250 million to the Government for national recovery after the emergency situation
The Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation has donated Rs. 250 million to the Government to support the rebuild of the country following the emergency situation caused by the Ditva cyclone.
Chairperson of the Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike, together with the Board of Directors, handed over the cheque to Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on 08 th of December at the Prime Minister’s Office.
Subsequently, a cordial discussion was held between the Foundation’s Chairperson, former President Chandrika Bandaranaike, and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
The occasion was attended by the secretary to the Prime Minister Pradeep Saputhanthri, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, and representatives of the Board of Directors of the Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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Level III landslide warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
The Level III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale by the Landslide Early Warning Center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] have been extended until 1600hrs tomorrow [10th December 2025].
Accordingly,
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Division and surrounding areas of Panvila, Udapalatha, Minipe, Poojapitiya, Gangawata Korale, Thumpane, Doluwa, Pathadumbara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Harispattuwa, Akurana, Ududumbara, Pathahewaheta, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Deltota, Medadumbara, Udunuwara, Kundasale and Pasbage Korale in the Kandy district, Yatiyanthota, Rambukkana, Aranayaka, Warakapola, Galigamuwa, Mawanella and Bulathkohupitiya in the Kegalle district, Mallawapitiya, Rideegama and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Ukuwela, Pallepola, Rattota, Matale, Laggala Pallegama, Yatawatta, Naula, Ambanganga Korale and Wilgamuwa in the Matale district have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Division and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Hali_Ela, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Kandeketiya, Bandarawela, Soranathota, Ella, Haputhale, Lunugala, Welimada, Haldummulla and Passara in the Badulla district, Ruwanwella, Dehiowita, Kegalle and Deraniyagala in the Kegalle district, Alawwa and Polgahawela in the Kurunegala district and Nuwara Eliya, Nildandahinna, Thalawakele, Kothmale West, Mathurata, Ambagamuwa Korale, Hanguranketha, Walapane, Kothmale East and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district, and Kahawaththa, Kolonna and Godakawela in the Ratnapura district have also been extended.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Mirigama, Divulapitiya and Attanagalla in the Gampaha district, Narammala in the Kurunegala district, and Kiriella, Balangoda, Kuruwita, Openayake, Nivithigala, Kaltota, Pelmadulla, Kalawana, Eheliyagoda, Elapatha, Ayagama, Imbulpe and Ratnapura in the Ratnapura district.
Timely and accurate data essential for effective decision making – PM
Bandaranaike Memorial National Foundation donates Rs. 250 million to the Government for national recovery after the emergency situation
Level III landslide warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
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