Business
Political VIPs notably absent at Japanese FDI project launch
by Sanath Nanayakkare
There was notable absence of political heavyweights at the launch of a major foreign direct investment (FDI) hotel project in Colombo last week, arguably reflecting declining appeal of politicians.
Without the participation of any Sri Lankan political VIPs to cut the ribbon or make the keynote speech, the Granbell Hotel Colombo – a USD 60 million worth Japanese hotel in the heart of Colombo, opened its doors warmly welcoming all to experience a fusion of Japanese and Sri Lankan hospitality.
Granbell is the sister property of Le Grand Galle, inaugurated in August 2018 by Asia Leisure and with Belluna Co. Ltd, Japan.
The grandeur of the occasion was celebrated by none other than Mizukoshi Hideaki – the Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka who was the chief guest for the occasion.
Having announced that the launch of the hotel was in line with the long-standing friendship between Sri Lanka and Japan which dates back over 70 years, the Japanese Ambassador together with several Japanese invitees including, Kiyoshi Yasuno – the President of Belluna Co. Ltd and Ryo Takarada, Chief Architect of Granbell Colombo inaugurated the hotel.
The Granbell Hotel Colombo is owned and managed by the leading Japanese company Belluna Co. Ltd, a listed company in the Tokyo Stock exchange. It adds to a growing portfolio of properties around the world owned and managed by Belluna.Co.Ltd. The hotel chain includes 17 properties in Japan, one in Hawaii, one in the Maldives and two in Sri Lanka.
The project commenced in 2016 with a foreign direct investment of USD 60 million. The construction was carried out by the Hazama Ando Corporation of Japan and was completed in line with the highest construction standards, combining Japanese architecture and Sri Lankan craftsmanship.
Today, the hotel provides a large number of employment opportunities for the local community further strengthening the economic revival of the nation.
The Granbell is located in proximity to the Colpetty Railway Station in the heart of Colombo and provides a host of exciting facilities and services.
While the Heads of Departments and staff being Sri Lankan, the hotel also brings forth Japanese expertise with its general manager and the head chef to offer an authentic combination of the two cultures.
Opposition MP Patali Champika Ranawaka speaking in parliament two days after the opening of the Granbell Hotel said,” Some people ask why Sri Lanka isn’t convening an international aid forum to obtain the support of friendly countries to come out of the current economic crisis. Such an international aid forum can’t be convened because the international community has no confidence in the government of Sri Lanka. Friendly nations are not helping us any more. Japan, which helped Sri Lanka from time immemorial without any strings attached, had their mega projects in Sri Lanka cancelled by one single stroke of the pen overnight. If we had the $1.5 billion Japanese-funded light rail project, JICA funded project for laying 220 kilovolt underground cable from Kerawalapitiya to the Colombo Port and ADB’s railway project from Maradana to Homagama, we would have had FDIs worth USD 2 billion flowing into the country annually over a few years. Japan, our ‘biggest’ post-independence friend who had no political interest in helping us, was dropped by the government without any courtesy. In such a context, today no country is stepping forward to host an international aid forum to help Sri Lanka.”
Former prime minister Ranil Wickramasinghe said recently that he raised the matter of the Japanese light rail project with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and that the government has begun to review it in a more favourable manner.
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.”
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