News
Police make permanent presence within China run H’tota harbour
The Hambantota International Port (HIP) has built a new police station with the capacity to house over 40 police personnel within the port premises. The new fully equipped station would replace the small police post that functioned previously in the port; allowing officers at the new facility to widen their reach in policing, especially when port activities are on the rise.
Capt. Ravi Jayawickreme, CEO of Hambantota International Port Services (HIPS) says harbour engineers handled the construction of the new building, while HIPS provided funding. “It is a 2,050 square meter building complete with lock-ups, offices, barracks, OIC quarters, etc., to help the police force to expand their operations within the port. By Sri Lankan law it is a must for all ports to have a police presence within the harbour, which is why we had a minor post already in place. But we saw the need for an upgrade so officers can do their job with more efficiently. Now we have a fully fledged harbour police station in place, which is mutually beneficial for the port and the police force.”
The new station had a soft opening recently, attended by with Senior DIG, Southern Province Rohan J. Silva. Capt. Ravi Jayawickreme and Ray Ren, CEO of HIPG, were also present. A full contingent of police presence is expected at the premises soon, and supervision of the port, which is currently under the Hambantota Police, will be transferred to the new station.
CEO of HIPG, Ray Ren, said that they would support the expansion with all infrastructure facilities as it was important for Sri Lanka law enforcement personnel to be fully operational within the harbour premises. “As much as the maritime security given by the Sri Lanka Navy is important, it is also necessary for the Sri Lanka Police to have a larger presence within the harbour premises. This will definitely help civil security and maintenance of Law and Order.”
Latest News
China pledges continued support for Sri Lanka’s Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity, and Independence – Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China
Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, stated that China is committed to supporting Sri Lanka’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence.
This statement was made during a meeting between President Anura Kumar Disanayake and Zhao Leji, which took place earlier today (16) as part of President Disanayake’s four-day official visit to China.
During the meeting, Chairman Zhao warmly welcomed President Disanayake, further emphasizing that working with Sri Lanka in a continuous and cooperative manner is a key expectation of the Chinese National People’s Congress.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism, Vijitha Herath; Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake; Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong; and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China, Majintha Jayasinghe, were also present at the event.
Business
$3.7 billion foreign direct investment secured during President’s first state visit to China
During President Anura Kumara Disanayake’s four-day state visit to China, Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone by securing the largest foreign direct investment to date. This significant achievement was formalized this morning (16) with the signing of an agreement between Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Energy and Sinopec, a leading Chinese international petroleum corporation.
Under this $3.7 billion investment, a state-of-the-art oil refinery with a capacity of 200,000 barrels will be constructed in the Hambantota region. A substantial portion of the refinery’s output is planned for export, further enhancing the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.
This major investment from China is expected to bolster Sri Lanka’s economic growth while uplifting the livelihoods of low-income communities in the Hambantota area. Moreover, the benefits of this project are anticipated to positively impact the overall Sri Lankan population in the near future.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Labour and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Rathnayake and Director General of Government Information H. S. K. J. Bandara, alongside other dignitaries were present when the agreement was signed.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake extended an invitation to Chinese investors to explore investment opportunities in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the nation’s stable governance and transparent economy.
He made these remarks as the keynote speaker at the “Investment Forum” held today (16), jointly organized by Chinese state and private enterprises.
The forum was a significant event during President Disanayake’s third day of his four-day state visit to China, undertaken at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Prominent Chinese corporations, including China Tianying Inc. (CNTY), China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd., China Communications Construction Company Ltd., China Petrochemical Corporation (SINOPEC Group), Metallurgical Corporation of China Ltd., China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), China Energy International Group Company Ltd., Guangzhou Public Transport Group and Huawei BYD Auto participated in the event.
President Disanayake also engaged in cordial discussions with the leadership of these corporations.
The forum was attended by Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment, and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, Bimal Rathnayake, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, and Sri Lankan Ambassador to China Majintha Jayasinghe, among others.
Dozens killed as Israeli strikes continue ahead of Gaza ceasefire
China pledges continued support for Sri Lanka’s Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity, and Independence – Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China
$3.7 billion foreign direct investment secured during President’s first state visit to China
-
News3 days agoSri Lanka’s passport third strongest in South Asia
-
Features3 days agoBackstreet Boys’ Nick Carter to perform in Colombo!
-
Opinion4 days agoTribute to late Commander (MCD) Shanthi Kumar Bahar, RWP Sri Lanka Navy
-
Sports5 days agoDialog celebrates Chamari Athapaththu’s ICC nominations and outstanding achievements
-
News5 days agoBritish conductor at Khemadasa anniversary concert on Jan. 25
-
News2 days agoFSP warns of Indian designs to swamp Sri Lanka
-
Editorial4 days agoJekylls and Hydes
-
News3 days agoElectricity regulator contradicts Minister; tariff reduction certain