Business
Havelock City Mall built at a cost of USD 130 million opens for business
99% of the space has already been leased out
Stands out as a property with a good tenant mix
by Sanath Nanayakkare
The highly anticipated Havelock City Mall built at a cost of US$ 130 million, spanning over 200,000 square feet was officially opened for business yesterday.This international standard shopping mall promises to deliver an unparalleled shopping and entertainment experience, creating an ideal destination for the local community right in the heart of Colombo.
Pravir Samarasinghe, Group CEO/Director of Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC speaking to The Island Financial Review said that Overseas Realty was very excited to have opened the Havelock City Mall for business after five years since its groundbreaking ceremony.
“The project got delayed a lot because of the pandemic, the lockdowns and the economic crisis. Eventually things have begun to work out as planned. We are not only hopeful but also are confident in the same vein about the promising success of this project. There are several reasons for that. Number one is; 99% of the space has already been leased out.
We are extremely happy about that. Number two is; those who have taken up the space are great tenants. Number three is; the mall is creating an ideal destination for tourists and the local community right in the heart of Colombo. Another key factor is the mall is located in a place which is a vast catchment area of consumers. It offers accessibility to residents in Colombo 3, 4, 5, and 6, as well as those in Dehiwela, Mount Lavinia, Nugegoda, Maharagama, Kottawa, Homagama, Kirulapone, Narahenpita, Rajagiriya, Nawala, Kotte, and beyond. This makes us very optimistic about the endless positive opportunities. We have invested US$ 130 million in the project,” he said.
“We have a good mix of international and local brands at the Havelock City Mall making it a retail paradise. It houses six premier anchor tenants that include ODEL, Cargills Food Hall, Scope Cinemas, Food Studio, Cool Planet, and Abans. Moreover, there are 132 other retail outlets, offering an unparalleled selection of fashion and accessories, entertainment options, tantalizing food and beverages, convenient services, electronics, homeware, and gifts and novelties,” he said.
For food enthusiasts, the options at Havelock City Mall are nothing short of a culinary odyssey. Havelock City Mall will also unveil its astonishing entertainment line-up.
Opening early next year is the Havelock City Mall’s 1,000-seat, six-screen multiplex, along with the first and only premium, large format IMAX cinema in Sri Lanka.
“We are delighted to welcome everyone to the Havelock City Mall. We look forward to providing a diverse and exciting retail environment, entertainment options and dining experiences for all our shoppers. Havelock City Mall is poised to become the ultimate modern lifestyle suburban mall, catering to the entire family – a happy place for all.” Pravir said.
Havelock City Mall is developed by Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC; the owner, manager, and developer of the iconic World Trade Center, Colombo.
Business
AHK Sri Lanka champions first-ever Sri Lankan delegation at Drupa 2024
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.
Business
HNB General Insurance recognized as Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024
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.”