Business
ITC One Colombo development achieves key milestones towards 2023 completion
With significant progress in construction work, the US$ 400 million+ ITC One Colombo development has successfully crossed several major milestones on its journey towards completion in 2023. This landmark development is the first project in Sri Lanka by WelcomHotels Lanka (Private) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ITC Limited, India.
The sustainability centric state-of-the-art development comprises of the super luxury ITC hotel with 352 gracefully appointed guest rooms and suites with a range of fine dining options of international and Indian cuisine, Sapphire Residences housing 132 uber luxury Sky Mansions with average sizes of approx. 5500 sq ft, retail and commercial spaces.
Several of the world’s leading names are behind the design and architecture of development;
these include Principal Architecture by Gensler (USA) working alongside revered local architect Surath Wickramasinghe, residential interiors by YOO Inspired by Starck (UK), Principal Structural Engineers Thornton Tomasetti (USA), landscape design by Burega Farnell (Singapore), hotel interiors by Design Wilkes Malaysia, security design by Control Risks, with L&T Limited as General Contractor
Despite facing significant challenges over the past few years, the project has successfully completed the superstructure construction of the 50-storey Sapphire Residences tower, the 30-storey ITC hotel tower, the Podium, the Commercial block and the Retail area.
Further, the most distinctive feature is the c.55-metre Ahasa One Sky Bridge, which has been installed c.100 metres in the air where it connects the Sapphire Residences with the adjacent ITC hotel at the 19th-21st level. An engineering marvel that was the subject of a TV documentary last year, Ahasa One is a symbol that Colombo is joining the ranks of top global cities where outstanding architectural landmarks are found. The helipad atop the hotel tower, the structure of which has also been completed, is set to add a new dimension to transportation possibilities in the heart of the city.
In addition, prospective buyers of Sapphire Residences can now experience and view show apartments in all four distinctive interior styles – Nature, Minimal, Classic & Culture designed by legendary designer Philippe Starck.
Subi George, Managing Director of WelcomHotels Lanka, commented, “Despite the challenging times, the completion of all these key milestones demonstrates our continued commitment towards delivering this landmark development which will redefine Colombo’s skyline. We are certainly heading in the right direction, and remain unwavering in our efforts to deliver an unparalleled lifestyle to our residents, tenants, and guests.”
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.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
