HIPG Celebrates Sinhala and Tamil New Year in Traditional Style

Hambantota, Sri Lanka – April 2025: Continuing the tradition of celebrating Sri Lanka’s rich culture and heritage, the Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG) hosted its annual Sinhala and Tamil New Year event last week. Marking seven years of successful operations, the celebration brought together local and expatriate staff in an atmosphere filled with tradition, unity, and festive spirit. 

Held on the port premises, the event featured a wide range of traditional New Year games and customs, including kotta pora (pillow fighting), bun-eating competitions, and other lively contests. The event also included the crowning of this year’s Avurudu Kumari and Kumaraya (New Year princess and prince), chosen from among the staff in a fun and spirited selection.

Held on the port premises, the event featured a wide range of traditional New Year games and customs, including kotta pora (pillow fighting), bun-eating competitions, and other lively contests. The event also included the crowning of this year’s Avurudu Kumari and Kumaraya (New Year princess and prince), chosen from among the staff in a fun and spirited selection.

The event began with a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast, setting the tone for a day of activity and team bonding. Staff, including expatriate team members, embraced the spirit of the occasion by dressing in Sri Lankan traditional attire and joining the celebrations enthusiastically.

CEO Wilson Qu speaking at the New Year celebration, “As we welcome the New Year, the Hambantota International Port moves forward with renewed confidence and determination. We are ready to embrace new challenges and pursue further expansion, keeping pace with the evolving dynamics of the global logistics sector. In the coming year, we will introduce fresh investments to enhance the port’s service offerings. With the recent addition of experienced port management professionals, our team is well-positioned to deliver on the six operational pillars that define the Hambantota International Port.”

HIP’s six pillar development strategy includes RO-RO Transshipment Hub, Bulk & Break-Bulk Cargo, Marine Services, Energy Hub, Container Transshipment Hub and Port Industrial Park.

“This isn't about competing with existing ports in Sri Lanka; it's about creating new opportunities that will expand the shipping and logistics industry on the island,” the CEO further stated, adding that the port is working closely with its key partners, including the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, to provide holistic services from this multi-purpose port in the south of Sri Lanka.

HIPG’s New Year celebration not only emphasised the group’s commitment to employee engagement and cultural values but also reflected its vision of integrating local traditions with a dynamic, forward-looking global operation.

Trainee ERT officer, Chamodya Nimsara, dressed as the Arachchi (village headman), welcoming CEO Wilson Qu to the HIP New Year celebrations.

Ready to begin the New Year celebration: From left to right Cap.Miyuru Gunasekara - GM HIPS; Bindu Ranasinghe - DGM Commercial and Marketing; Hasitha Lakmal - Senior Manager HR Services and Administration; Buddhika Sandaruwan - AGM HR,Local Affairs and CSR; Serena Lin - Deputy CFO; Wilson Qu - CEO HIPG; Lalith Ekanayake - AGM Commercial and Marketing; Rienzie Samarahewa - Senior Specialist - Marine Engineering; Jeevan Premasara - Senior General Manager - HR and Admin; and Cap. Shylendra Jeewakarathna - Senior Manager - Security.

The HIP Avurudu Kumari Competition 2025: from left to right, 2nd place - Serena Lin, Deputy CFO HIPG; CEO of HIPG Wilson Qu; Winner, Hayesha Dewasurendra, Executive - HR and 3rd place - Ransi Kodithuwakku, Junior Executive – Operations

The HIP Aurudu Kumaraya Competition 2025; from left to right, Winner Dinith Wijesinghe, Executive - Administration; CEO Wilson Qu; and Manoj Dasanayaka, Junior Executive - Commercial and Marketing 2nd place.

Suresh Kodithuwakku, Manager - Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) and Alan Kong, Manager Corporate Affairs, engaged in traditional games at the New Year Festival