News

Hambantota Port ready to facilitate vehicle imports to Lanka

Published

1 year ago

2025/02/3

New yard ready for import vehicles

Hambantota International Port (HIP) is fully prepared to support the expected surge in vehicle imports following the recent lifting of Sri Lanka’s import ban. With the local automotive market on the rise, HIP is set to play a key role in meeting the growing demand, backed by its state-of-the-art infrastructure and experienced workforce, said a release issued by HIP.

Commenting on the Port’s readiness, Wilson Qu, CEO of HIPG, said, “Since 2018, HIP’s Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) volumes have grown significantly, from 238,997 units to 579,362 units in 2024. This impressive increase is testament to the Port’s expanding capacity to manage large volumes of vehicle imports and its position as a central hub for Sri Lanka’s automotive supply chain.”

To streamline vehicle imports, HIP has established a range of specialised facilities. These include a dedicated customs inspection bay, a new facility with 24/7 CCTV and illumination where vehicles undergo physical checks to ensure compliance with local standards. Vehicles awaiting clearance or inspection are securely stored, while temporary storage is made available for import vehicles. HIP also provides basic facilities for wharf clerks and importers who visit the Port for the clearance process. Additionally, HIP’s Vehicle Processing Stations handle the necessary paperwork for the release of vehicles, ensuring a seamless experience for importers.

The Port’s newly designed vehicle import yard is specifically tailored to accommodate vehicle imports. With a storage capacity for at least approximately 4000 vehicles, the yard is designed to manage both local and transshipment vehicles efficiently.

Security is a top priority at HIP, with strict access control to ensure only authorised personnel enter the yards. The entire Port, including jetty and temporary storage areas, is fully fenced and monitored by 24/7 CCTV surveillance. Mobile and foot patrols are also deployed to maintain safety and accountability at every stage of the vehicle handling process. Additionally, the Port’s illumination levels meet international standards, ensuring high visibility and security throughout.

The Port has proven its ability to handle large-scale vehicle imports, successfully managing significant volumes since 2018. The USD 2 million investment in enhanced infrastructure will further support HIP’s ability to handle the growing demand for vehicle imports.

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News

SAARC journalists meet in New Delhi

Published

8 hours ago

2026/02/6

Priyan

President of SJF Sri Lanka Chapter Rahul Samantha Hettiarachchi hands over a memento to Dr Alok Kumar Mishra Joint Secretary of the Association of Indian Universities

Members of the South Asian Journalists Forum have gathered at the University of New Delhi for a two day conference themed ‘Peace and Co-operation’.

Journalists from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and India are attending the conference hosted by the University of Delhi in collaboration with the India Chapter of SJF, and will deliberate on how the media can act as a catalyst for regional stability and mutual coexsistence.

A tree plantation campaign was also held at the Ghandi Bhawan premises of the University to mark the event and symbolize growing regional ties.

The Sri Lanka delegation is led by President of SJF’s Sri Lanka Chapter Rahul Samantha Hettiarachchi.

News

Governor of Gujarat met with Sri Lanka PM to discuss exposition of Devnimori Relics

Published

10 hours ago

2026/02/6

Priyan

The Governor of the of Gujarat, Acharya Devvrat, along with the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Harsh Sanghvi, met with Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya on Thursdy [February 05] at the Parliamentary Complex to discuss the arrangements related to the exposition of the Devnimori Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, which have been brought to Sri Lanka under the patronage of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India.

These sacred relics of Lord Buddha were discovered during archaeological excavations conducted in the 1960s at the historic Devnimori site in Gujarat, the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Until now, these relics had never been taken outside India. As a result of discussions held between President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Sri Lanka, the people of Sri Lanka have been granted this rare opportunity to venerate these sacred relics.

The exposition of the relics is being held for a period of seven days, from February 05 to February 11, at the Gangaramaya Temple in Hunupitiya, Colombo. Discussions were held between both parties regarding the arrangements related to this event.

The discussion was attended by Samar Nanda, Joint Secretary of the Indian Ministry of Culture; Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, Acting High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka; Abhijit Halder, Director General of the International Buddhist Confederation; along with several others.

[Prime Minister’s Media Division]

News

INS GHARIAL makes port call in Colombo

Published

16 hours ago

2026/02/6

Priyan

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) GHARIAL made a port call in Colombo for operational turnarounds on 04 Feb 26. The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship in compliance with naval traditions.

Commanded by Commander Gaurav Tewari, INS GHARIAL is a vessel with a length of 124.8 meters.

During this visit, ten (10) Bailey Bridges, brought by ship, through the coordination of the High Commission of India in Sri Lanka, will be handed over to the Disaster Management Center. These bridges will provide temporary transportation links while bridges damaged across the island by adverse weather conditions are repaired.

The crew’s itinerary features scheduled goodwill activities with the Sri Lanka Navy, alongside visits to several tourist attractions across the island.