February 03, Colombo (LNW): Hambantota International Port (HIP) is well-positioned to support the anticipated increase in vehicle imports after Sri Lanka’s recent lifting of the import ban, with the port’s infrastructure and operational capacity now fully aligned to accommodate the expected rise in demand.

As Sri Lanka’s automotive market begins to recover, HIP has announced that it is ready to play a pivotal role in meeting the country’s growing import needs.

The port has seen remarkable growth in its capacity to manage vehicle imports, with state-of-the-art facilities and an experienced workforce to ensure smooth operations.

HIP’s Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) operations have been expanding rapidly over the past few years, with volumes rising significantly from 238,997 units in 2018 to 579,362 units in 2024.

Wilson Qu, CEO of HIPG, highlighted the port’s increasing prominence as a central hub for the nation’s automotive supply chain, noting the substantial growth in RORO traffic as proof of its expanding role in the industry.

To further enhance its capabilities, HIP has established a variety of specialised facilities to streamline the vehicle import process.

These include a dedicated customs inspection bay designed to facilitate quick and efficient checks of incoming vehicles.

This facility operates around the clock, featuring 24/7 CCTV surveillance and proper lighting to ensure all vehicles are thoroughly inspected for compliance with local standards.

For vehicles awaiting clearance or inspection, HIP provides secure storage solutions, including temporary spaces for imported vehicles before they undergo the necessary processing.

The port has also set up basic amenities for wharf clerks and importers, ensuring that the clearance process is both convenient and efficient.

One of the standout features of HIP’s new infrastructure is its Vehicle Processing Stations, which manage the necessary paperwork to expedite the release of vehicles, further ensuring a seamless experience for importers.

Additionally, the port has designed a new vehicle import yard specifically to handle large volumes of vehicles, with a storage capacity for up to 4,000 units, catering to both local imports and transshipment vehicles.

Security is paramount at HIP, with stringent access controls to ensure that only authorised personnel are allowed within the vehicle yards. The entire port, including the jetty and temporary storage areas, is fully fenced and continuously monitored by 24/7 CCTV.

The port also employs mobile and foot patrols to maintain safety and ensure accountability at every stage of vehicle handling. Furthermore, the port’s illumination is in line with international standards, ensuring high visibility and security at all times.

HIP has committed to investing an additional US$ 2 million in enhancing its infrastructure. This ongoing investment will further bolster its ability to handle increasing vehicle import volumes and continue to play a crucial role in the country’s automotive supply chain.

February 03, Colombo (LNW): In a bid to commemorate the nation’s 77th Independence Day, the Ministry of Public Administration has issued a directive for all government institutions to display the national flag for an entire week.

This initiative aims to instil a sense of national pride and unity ahead of the significant national celebrations.

At the same time, the ministry has reinforced its earlier instructions to refrain from using decorative lighting during this period.

This is part of a broader effort to reduce electricity consumption and promote energy conservation, particularly in light of rising utility costs.

Security preparations for the upcoming Independence Day events have been ramped up, with 1,650 personnel from the police force and Special Task Force deployed to ensure the safety of attendees and smooth conduct of the celebrations.

In addition, authorities have rolled out a special traffic management plan to prevent disruptions to public transport and ensure the parades and main events proceed without incident.

The grand 77th National Independence Day celebration will be held tomorrow at Colombo’s Independence Square, with the President set to preside over the occasion.

However, this year’s observance will mark a departure from tradition, as the usual Presidential salute will not take place.

February 03, Colombo (LNW): Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa has issued a firm directive to officials to implement comprehensive regulations governing all ingredients and products within Sri Lanka’s Ayurvedic medicine and cosmetic sectors.

The move aims to ensure greater oversight and enhance the safety and quality of these widely used products.

The minister’s comments came during a ceremony at the Ayurvedic National Hospital in Rajagiriya, where the newly appointed Chairman and members of the Ayurvedic Medicines and Products Council were presented with their appointment letters.

Addressing the need for tighter control, Minister Jayatissa underscored the growing concern over substandard products entering the market.

He stressed that the primary goal of the new regulations is to guarantee that the public has access to safe, high-quality, and reliably standardised Ayurvedic products.

“The most pressing issue we face today lies within the cosmetics sector,” the minister explained. “There are serious health risks associated with many of these products, compounded by the illegal smuggling of unregulated items. Additionally, we must address the rise of cosmetic products falsely claiming to be Ayurvedic. To rectify this, we will need to amend the NMRA Act, a process that will take some time, but it is a crucial step towards improving the situation.”

Minister Jayatissa’s call for enhanced regulation follows growing concerns over the safety of certain Ayurvedic cosmetics, which have raised alarm among both the public and health authorities.

February 03, Colombo (LNW): Deshamanya Harry Jayawardena, one of Sri Lanka’s most influential industrialists, has passed away at the age of 82.

Known for his far-reaching business ventures and significant impact on the country’s economy, Jayawardena was a prominent figure in both the corporate and diplomatic spheres.

Born Don Harold Stassen Jayawardena, he was widely recognised for his leadership of Melstacorp PLC, a diversified conglomerate with interests in multiple sectors.

Jayawardena’s business acumen earned him a place among Sri Lanka’s wealthiest individuals, with Forbes ranking him among the country’s top billionaires.

Beyond his business achievements, Jayawardena also served as the Honorary Consul General for Denmark in Sri Lanka, further underlining his status as a key player in fostering international relations.

His leadership extended to several other prestigious companies, including the Distilleries Company of Sri Lanka and Aitken Spence, both of which were trailblazers in the Sri Lankan corporate world.

These two companies were notably the first from Sri Lanka to feature in Forbes’ list of the best-managed businesses outside of the United States.

February 03, Colombo (LNW): Showers or thundershowers may occur at a few places in Galle, Matara, Kalutara and Rathnapura districts in the evening or night, but mainly fair weather will prevail over the other areas of the island, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather forecast today (03).

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Western, Sabaragamuwa, Central, North-western and Uva provinces and in Galle and Matara districts during the morning.

Marine Weather: