Business
Due to escalating costs SL’s real estate business seen as unviable
By Hiran H.Senewiratne
The Sri Lankan real estate business at this juncture is not viable due to the new tax system and high inflation. These factors have compelled these businesses to shift into other sectors, such as the hotel and leisure industry, chairperson, Natwal Parikh Group Rohan Parikh said.
” Due to the rupee depreciation, the cost of construction is very high. Consequently, import duty has become unaffordable. On top of that the 15 per cent Value Added Tax for the end price added a high cost to the price, which is one of the major factors for housing prices to escalate , Parikh told The Island Financial Review.
Parikh added: “We have no plans to go ahead with our businesses right now. One apartment has already been completed, which is known as ICONIC, situated at Rajagiriya along the Parliament road. Another was nearing completion, known as ICONIC Galaxy Skye at Buthgamuwa, Rajagiriya.
“At present we have two prime properties at Rajagiriya and have no plans to go ahead with the apartment business. The cost of mortgage is very high for the customer to purchase apartment units due to high interest rates and 15 per cent VAT on the end price.
“With the escalation of the cost of production, high inflation and unpredictable future inflationary pressure, we cannot reconcile our business with our theme ‘Affordable Luxury’. We are compelled to look at other avenues and business opportunities in Sri Lanka. We would preferably be in the hotel and leisure sector, where they have plans to purchase hotel properties which are right now non-operational or defunct.
“The cost of construction of one square foot is very high in Sri Lanka due to the considerable import duty. Imported items, such as tiles, fittings and other materials cost a lot.
“Owing to these factors, affordability of housing has become difficult. The current economic crisis will continue for some time. This really hinders the growth of the economy. Because housing wealth is a very important component for economic development. Further, BOI is also not considering any tax incentives for foreign investment.
“Amid all these odds and tribulations in the country, Colombo has been really impacted by the wiping out of the bottom half of the real estate market.”
Natwal Parikh set up in 1947 in Mumbai, is into construction of school educational assets, hospitals and other businesses confined to Mumbai and Pune areas and is also into the logistics trading and investment business in Singapore. The Sri Lanka entity/partner is known as ICONIC Development (Pvt) Limited.
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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