Category: Shipping and Transport
PickMe Launches Colombo Connect as First Flagship Destination Under New PickMe Explore Platform
Lotus Tower becomes the first destination connected to a city-wide digital ecosystem linking Colombo’s attractions, culture, entertainment and commerce. PickMe yesterday launched Colombo Connect, the first city-wide destination to be introduced under its newly unveiled PickMe Explore platform, a national digital ecosystem designed to connect attractions, experiences, events and communities through a single technology platform. […]
EDB, IFC & European Union Launch Third ExpoScaleUp Cohort to Boost Sri Lanka’s SME Export Competitiveness
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and with the support of the European Union (EU) under the “Accelerating Climate Smart and Inclusive Infrastructure in South Asia (ACSIIS)” programme, has launched the third cohort of ExpoScaleUp, a flagship program tp designed to help Sri Lankan SMEs compete […]
Hambantota Port Clarifies Vehicle Storage Policy as RORO Volumes Continue to Grow
Vehicles lying at HIP awaiting clearance Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has clarified its vehicle storage policy following recent media reports, noting that while the Port currently accommodates more than 50,000 vehicles (both transhipment and local imports), approximately 1278 are lying in the yard for over 03 months, and 581 vehicles have remained at the […]
IFC and HSBC Back Sustainable, More Competitive Port Infrastructure in Sri Lanka
The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and HSBC are investing up to $40 million through financing in South Asia Gateway Terminals (Pvt) Ltd. (SAGT) to modernize and decarbonize operations at the Port of Colombo, the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s maritime trade. The investment will advance the port’s competitiveness, resilience […]
Hambantota International Port Sets New Monthly Records for RoRo and Container Throughput
June volumes reach 90,219 vehicles and 80,325 TEUs as operational preparedness and customer engagement drive record performance Hambantota International Port (HIP) recorded its highest-ever monthly throughput in both RoRo and containers in June 2026, handling 90,219 vehicles and 80,325 TEUs. The dual milestone marks a new high for the port’s two fastest-growing business segments. It […]
CBSL introduces maximum Loan to Value ratio for gold backed lending & tightens LTV ratios for motor vehicles
The Governing Board of the CBSL decided to introduce a maximum LTV ratio for credit facilities secured by gold and tighten the maximum LTV ratios applicable to credit facilities granted in respect of motor vehicles with effect from 25 May 2026. These steps are taken by the CBSL in line with its macroprudential authority, in […]
Energy Minister Dispels Coal Demurrage Rumors: Zero Extra Cost to Consumers
Energy Minister Anura Karunathilake has strongly refuted widespread social media claims alleging that the government is paying massive delay charges (demurrage) for ongoing coal shipments, assuring the public that the situation will place zero additional financial burden on electricity consumers. Speaking at a special media briefing, Minister Karunathilake clarified that the state-run Lanka Coal Company […]
CICT Achieves Record Throughput with MSC INGY Call
Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) has recorded its highest-ever single-vessel performance, handling 10,407 container moves, equivalent to 15,113 TEUs, during the recent call of MSC INGY, marking a new operational milestone for the terminal. The vessel, operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), represents one of the larger container ships calling at Colombo, reflecting the terminal’s […]
HIP Sets New Container Throughput Record with MSC Vessel
Hambantota International Port (HIP) successfully handled container vessel MSC Marie Leslie, marking one of its highest-volume vessel calls to date. The achievement further strengthens the port’s position as an emerging hub for containerised cargo in the region. The vessel, operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), was berthed at HIP from 11 to 15 April 2026. […]
HIP Expands Capacity as Middle East Crisis Drives Surge in Shipping Volumes
Hambantota International Port (HIP) has significantly expanded its operational capacity in response to a sharp surge in global shipping volumes triggered by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, reinforcing its position as a key alternative hub along the East–West shipping corridor. The port has doubled its Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) yard capacity and increased its container […]
EDB and CPC Meets Sri Lankan Exporters on Fuel Distribution
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently convened a high-level meeting between the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and a broad cross-section of Sri Lanka’s export industry to discuss the current fuel distribution mechanism and its impact on the export sector. Held at the CPC Head Office, the meeting was convened at the initiative of […]
Hambantota Intl Port Invests USD 108 Mn in New Cranes; Expands Container Terminal Capacity To 2 Mn TEU
Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) has signed an agreement to invest USD 108 million in new container handling equipment, marking a major expansion of its container terminal capacity and reinforcing Sri Lanka’s position as an emerging logistics hub in the Indian Ocean. The agreement, signed at a ceremony held at the Hilton Colombo on March […]