News
Hambantota Port ready to facilitate vehicle imports to Lanka
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.
The government, under heavy Opposition fire over inclusion of a sex website in the Grade 6 English module, as well as overall education reforms, has decided to put on hold reforms in respect of Grade 6.
Cabinet Spokesman and Media and Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa announced the government decision yesterday (13) at the post-Cabinet media briefing at the Information Department.
According to him, the decision had been taken at the previous day’s Cabinet meeting, chaired by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. Dr. Jayatissa said that education reforms pertaining to Garde 6 had been put on hold until 2027.
The Minister said that other proposed education reforms would be implemented as planned. The Minister said that action would be taken against those responsible for the inclusion of a link to a sex website following investigations conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department and the National Education Institute.
The SJB and several other political parties, as well as civil society groups, have accused the government of promoting an LGBTQ agenda, through the proposed education reforms.
The Opposition grouping Mahajana Handa, on Monday, made representations to the Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatta Chapter regarding the controversial reforms, while urging their intervention to halt the project.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake yesterday (13) vowed to go ahead with his government’s agenda, regardless of the destruction caused by Cyclone Ditwah.
Emphasising the responsibility on the part of all to contribute to the post-Ditwah recovery efforts, President Dissanayake said that he would have complete faith in the public service.
The President said so at the launch of the re-building Sri Lanka project at the BMICH yesterday.
The JVP and NPP leader said that he wouldn’t take advantage of the death and destruction caused by the cyclone or use the situation as an excuse to reverse their agenda or weaken it.
President Dissanayake said that in spite of many calling for amending the then Budget, in view of the cyclone, the government presented the proposals that were agreed before the disaster struck.
The United States has announced that it will provide the Sri Lanka Air Force with 10 US Navy TH-57 helicopters free of charge.
The announcement was made by outgoing US Ambassador Julie Chung, who stated, on social media, that the helicopters would be transferred under the United States’ Excess Defence Articles programme. The aircraft are Bell 206 Sea Ranger helicopters previously operated by the US Navy.
US sources said that the transfer was intended to strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster response capabilities, following the devastating cyclone that struck the island at the end of 2025 and killed more than 600 people. US officials have framed the move as a humanitarian measure aimed at improving aerial rescue and relief operations.
Showery condition over the island is expected to reduce from tomorrow (15th)
USA’s Ali Khan claims having been ‘denied’ India visa ahead of T20 World Cup
At least 28 dead as crane collapses onto train in Thailand
Fair weather will prevail except for a few showers in the Uva, Eastern, Western and Central provinces and in Galle, Matara and Rathnapura districts
Trump cancels US-Iran meetings, urges protesters to take over institutions
Govt. bows to pressure, shelves Grade 6 reforms
‘Dates have the highest sugar content to fight Coronavirus’
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