Business
Hambantota International Port upbeat about its prospects after Lloyd’s certification
The Hambantota International Port (HIP), which continues to come under attack by the opposition, said it expects phenomenal growth in the services it offers.
Issuing a statement, HIP said it has received FSS certification (Fitness for Service) for their tank farm facility.
It said: The certification was issued by Lloyd’s Register (LR), the World’s leading provider of classification, compliance and consultancy services to marine and offshore industries. This is a landmark achievement that will further strengthen the HIP brand in the maritime world.
The port was awarded Lloyd’s certification, after a comprehensive approval process and an impartial third-party assessment. The entire process was handled by HIP’s Department of Energy Services who worked with Lloyd’s Register Marine & Offshore Asia LLP, in achieving the recognition.
Located just 10 nautical miles (19 km), from the world’s busiest maritime route linking Europe and Asia, HIP’s fully functioning tank farm facility for bunker fuel supply, provides a huge advantage to the vast number of vessels plying this route.
The high performance in bunkering volumes handled by HIP last year, underpins the potential the port has for this business. Johnson Liu, CEO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) says the recognition by a trusted international organization like the Lloyd’s Register, will not only strengthen the confidence the international maritime community has in the port, but will also help boost Sri Lanka’s oil and gas industry.
“As we enter the new year, we are confident that we will see phenomenal growth rates not only in bunkering but also in other services offered by HIP. As much as we see the importance of safety protocols being maintained to the highest standards within the port, we are also confident that our efficiency in delivery continues to improve. It is the combination of all these factors that fuel our growth,” says the CEO.
There were two phases to the oil tank refurbishment project undertaken by HIPG. Both phases, i.e. the oil storage terminal and two oil jetties have been awarded FFS Certification by Lloyd’s. The storage network has 11 tanks, associated pipelines and 8 loading/unloading arms of two jetties, which are all included in the certification. Currently HIP has a maximum storage capacity of 51,000 m3 for Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and 23,000 m3 for Marine Diesel Oil (MDO), held in utmost safe conditions, verified by Lloyds.
The certification is in line with HIP’s objective of providing bunker fuels and related products that are compliant with international maritime organisation (IMO) standards. The IMO introduced a 0.5% m/m (mass by mass) Sulphur cap on bunkers for ships operating outside emission control areas in January 2020. With this regulation, the use of VLSFO will see a considerable increase in comparison with HSFO (High Sulphur Fuel Oil).
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
