HIPG celebrates Sinhala and Tamil New Year in traditional style

HIPG CEO Wilson Qu greeted with traditional beetle leaves

Some of HIPG’s senior team who joined the New Year festivities (from left): Senior Manager IT Julian Zhu, Deputy Chief Administration Officer (DCAO) Richard Li, Senior Manager Legal Bimal Samantha, CFO Kinney Wu, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) Greg Chen, and Manager Corporate Affairs Alan Kong 

Some of HIPG’s senior team who joined the New Year festivities (from left): Deputy CFO Serena Lin, CFO Kinney Wu, HIPG CEO Wilson Qu, HIPS CEO Cap. Ravi Jayawickreme, and Chief Strategy Officer Greg Chen

The HIP Avurudu Kumari Competition 2025 (from left): HIPG Deputy CFO Serena Lin (Runner-up), HIPG CEO Wilson Qu, Executive – HR Hayesha Dewasurendra (Winner) , and Junior Executive – Operations Ransi Kodithuwakku (Third place)

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

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.

Despite ongoing port operations requiring some teams to remain on duty, approximately 150 employees — both permanent and non-permanent direct staff — participated in the day’s festivities, which began at 9 a.m. and ran through to early afternoon.

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. 

Speaking at the New Year celebration CEO Wilson Qu said: “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.