News
State-of-the-art petroleum test facility for H’tota Int’l port
The Hambantota International Port (HIP) will partner Intertek Lanka (Pvt) Ltd to establish a state-of-the-art petroleum testing laboratory which will be unique to Sri Lanka. Through this facility, Intertek will provide innovative and bespoke assurance, testing, inspection and certification services.
Johnson Liu, CEO of HIPG says, “HIPG has great potential in energy services due to its location in the Indian Ocean rim, where 50% of the world’s maritime oil is traded. Our oil fuel bunker, LPG and future LNG operations are sure to cement HIP’s position as an energy hub in the region.”
In a virtual ceremony held this week, HIPG and Intertek Lanka (Pvt) Ltd signed an agreement for a 10-year partnership, which provides Intertek the opportunity to establish its services in the port.
“Petroleum testing is an important activity in port related services such as testing marine products, bunkering and bunker related inspections. Intertek helps to ensure that products meet quality, health, environmental safety and social accountability standards for virtually any market around the world, with our extensive global accreditations, recognitions and agreements. We look forward to working with the Hambantota Port which is ideally located to serve the east-west shipping routes,” says Priyantha De Silva, Country Managing Director of Intertek Lanka (Pvt) Ltd.
The leading global independent inspection service provider will bring all of its global capabilities to ensure the laboratory is classified as a truly international state-of-the-art facility which is capable of testing IMO 2020 global Sulphur protocol.
“This will be a great value addition to HIP’s offering and as we add more services for the shipping network on the main east-west shipping lanes, Hambantota Port will take its rightful place as a global maritime location,” says Tissa Wickramasinghe, COO, HIPG.
Intertek has earned a reputation for helping their customers increase the value of their products, gain competitive advantage, and develop trusted brands, minimizing adverse health and environmental impacts of the products and processes for the benefit of society as a whole.
This partnership will enable HIP’s clients to get their products such as fuel oil and marine diesel tested efficiently as the petroleum laboratory will be within the port premises. The new lab will also open up employment opportunities for the local community and provide exposure to laboratory operations of international standards.
Attending the virtual signing ceremony were HIPG CEO Johnson Liu, COO Tissa Wickramasinghe along with Intertek Regional Director Trade James Ignatovich, Regional Director Sales and Technical Support Stephen Harrington, Regional Managing Director Sandeep Das, Country Managing Director of Intertek Sri Lanka Priyantha de Silva and Regional CFO Ajay Kapoor from Intertek.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, paid a solemn visit to the Embassy of the Vatican in Colombo today (25) to offer condolences on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
During the visit, Dr. Amarasuriya signed the book of condolence, expressing deep sorrow over the demise of the beloved spiritual leader and extending heartfelt sympathies to the Catholic community both in Sri Lanka and around the world:
The Prime Minister was received by the Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, Apostolic Nuncio of the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican Embassy in Colombo and other officials.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake conducted an inspection tour of Kandy city on Thursday (24) night to inspect the progress of the “Siri Dalada Wandanawa” and the related issues that have emerged.
The President held an urgent meeting with relevant officials to address the issues related to sanitation facilities for devotees visiting Kandy to venerate the sacred tooth relic
Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation Minister K.D. Lalkantha, Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa Nilanga Dela Bandara , Acting Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasuriya, Army Commander Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Governor of the Central Province Prof. Sarath Abeykoon, Kandy District Secretary Indika Udawatte and others participated in this meeting.
[PMD]
A Sri Lankan delegation met with US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer on the 22nd of April, 2025 at the US Trade Representative Office in Washington D.C.
The Sri Lankan delegation, on the instructions of President Disanayaka, who is also the Minister of Finance, handed over the originals of communications addressed to US Trade Representative Ambassador Greer
The delegation updated Ambassador Greer on the challenges that Sri Lanka has faced in the past and the steps that are being taken by the Government of Sri Lanka to overcome future challenges and move towards full economic recovery. The delegation also highlighted the prompt and positive commitment of the Government of Sri Lanka to work with the US Government in reducing the trade deficit, and lowering tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Ambassador Greer acknowledged the proposals made by the Sri Lankan government and expressed hope that an agreement can be reached soon between the two countries to ensure fair and equitable trade relations.
Later on that day, the Sri Lankan delegation met with the USTR delegation appointed by Ambassador Greer lead by Assistant United States Trade Representative, In-charge of South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch along with Director In-charge of South Asia, Emily Ashby to discuss further the appeal made in writing by Sri Lanka to the US. The two sides agreed to continue the discussions with the objective of finalizing a bilateral trade agreement between the two countries. Both sides expressed the desire to finalize the agreement in the shortest possible time period.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) is responsible for developing and coordinating U.S. international trade, commodity, and direct investment policy, and overseeing negotiations with other countries. The head of USTR is the U.S. Trade Representative, a Cabinet member who serves as the president’s principal trade advisor, negotiator, and spokesperson on trade issues.
[PMD]
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