Hambantota International Port grows by 22% in 2024

Luxury cruise liner entering the portThe Hambantota International Port (HIP) has achieved an impressive growth rate of 22% in 2024, matching its performance from the previous year.With its sights set on even higher numbers in 2025, the port is implementing upgrades to its infrastructure, including the introduction of gantry and yard cranes in the container yard.“These enhancements are part of HIP’s strategy to meet the growing demands of the shipping and logistics markets while positioning itself as a key player in the Indian Ocean region,” HIP said in a statement.The port’s bulk and break-bulk cargo sectors saw remarkable progress in 2024. During the first half of the year, volumes rose by 134% compared to the same period in 2023, increasing from 236,012 metric tons to 552,297 metric tons. This surge was largely attributed to the recovery of Sri Lanka’s construction sector, which collapsed in 2022, leading to a spike in cement imports. HIP has also cemented its reputation as a hub for bulk cargo distribution in Sri Lanka, with further growth expected by year-end.Gas operations at the...
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China says ready to usher new era of development in Sri Lanka

Chinese President Xi Jinping expresses willingness to collaborate during historic meeting with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in BeijingTwo countries sign several Memoranda of Understanding covering economic, social, and industrial sectorsChina yesterday expressed readiness to collaborate with Sri Lanka towards a new era of development.This was conveyed by Chinese President Xi Jinping during his meeting with the visiting Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in Beijing.Dissanayake, on a four-day State visit to China, received a warm welcome on arrival on Tuesday and held an official meeting with President Xi yesterday at the Great Hall of the People.Upon President Dissanayake’s arrival at the Great Hall, he was warmly received by President Xi. The welcoming ceremony was conducted with great honour, including a ceremonial gun salute. Dissanayake, for the first time since assuming office as President, was sporting a jacket and tie.Following initial cordial discussions between the two leaders, bilateral talks commenced.During the discussions, President Xi emphasised China’s...
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Elon Musk arrives in Indonesia, to launch satellite internet service Starlink

New Delhi, (IANS) Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on Sunday arrived in Indonesia where he aims to launch his satellite-based internet service Starlink.Musk, who is visiting Indonesia for the first time, is scheduled to launch Starlink alongside the country's President Joko Widodo."I had the opportunity to pick up Elon at the Airport this morning, then discuss some of his agendas while he's here and of course some important collaborations. One of them is the inauguration of Starlink internet service capable of reaching all corners of Indonesia," Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan wrote on his official Instagram account."Through the availability of internet access throughout the province, the digitalisation in the implementation of healthcare and education in Indonesia can continue to improve," he added.The minister also mentioned that the tech billionaire will also be speaking at the World Water Forum, which will be held in Bali.Earlier this month, Starlink warned users of a "degraded service" as the biggest geomagnetic storm struck the Earth due to...
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