Business
Macksons Tower: the latest mixed development project in Colombo
Macksons Tower by Macksons Developers was recently launched in the city of Colombo signifying the first mixed development project by Macksons Holdings. Situated at 12, Alfred House Gardens, Colombo 3, the property offers retail and office space with ample parking, thereby providing all required facilities at a convenient location. The soft opening was held in the presence of Milfer Makeen, chairman, Macksons Holdings, Mizver Makeen, Managing Director, Macksons Holdings and Ranga Goonawardena, Director/CEO, Macksons Developers.
Macksons Tower consists of of 19 levels, which is a total area of 100,000 square feet; from this area 70,000 square feet is rentable space. As a mixed developed project, the property has three levels of car park, retail space and nine floors of office space with a restaurant on the rooftop, which has two levels with beautiful panoramic views. Designed by renowned Sri Lanka architect, Priyantha Prematilake, the building design focuses on a green concept with in-built energy saving mechanisms. Solar powered renewable energy is used to power the building, together with the use of ‘Low E’, energy efficient glass, which reduces the heat thereby increasing the efficiency of the air conditioning. The interiors are spacious and beautiful with all required facilities provided for the smooth functioning of an office. Furthermore, due to its green concept there is also the provision to work within the office spaces without air conditioning. The construction was done by Tudawe Brothers, which is a C1 contractor. As a 100 percent Sri Lankan owned company, Sri Lankan building materials were used as much as possible.
As Ranga Goonawardena, Director/CEO, Macksons Developers explains, “There are so many advantages; we provide many facilities within the building itself and we are located in Central Colombo.” Due to its convenient location people can travel to Macksons Tower in their own transport or public transport. Though parking is a main issue in Colombo, the building provides ample parking space, many free spaces are available for parking in the vicinity as well. For those traveling by public transport, Galle Road and Duplication Road as well as the Bambalapitiya and Colpetty railway stations are within walking distance.
Macksons Developers did not presell the office spaces as they wanted the customer to see the property and make their decision. Furthermore, flexibility on the terms and conditions are provided as well. “We understand this is a challenging period and that the market too is competitive, therefore, we are open to negotiate and provide the best package that will fulfil the tenant’s requirements,” explained Ranga Goonawardena. Macksons Developers will also provide a reasonable grace period and a reasonable rate if the tenant is signing a long-term contract, where step-up leasing rental would be an option. “Even, if you are coming for a short-term contract we can be flexible on terms,” he further stated. Macksons Towers will offer co-working spaces in two floors. The emphasis is to provide support to businesses so that they are not burdened by rentals, thus both parties will be able to benefit through the process.
“We have an advantage because we completed the project, while new constructions projects have not been initiated in the past year. Therefore, we have a small lead. As a Group we are very positive about the market and we will continue to make investments in property development,” stated Ranga Goonawardena.
Macksons Tower is BOI registered project. Macksons Developers is a BOI approved company and is a member of Macksons Holdings. As a diversified group of 14 companies, other member companies include Multilac, Macktiles, Mans Lanka and Mandarina.
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.”