Business
Marriott International to introduce the Courtyard by Marriott brand to Sri Lanka
Courtyard by Marriott Colombo Sri Lanka is expected to feature 164 rooms and open in late 2021
COLOMBO, SRI LANKA, June 8, 2021:
Marriott International, Inc. today signed an agreement with Colombo City Centre (Private) Limited, a member of the Abans International Group, one of Sri Lanka’s largest privately held conglomerates with diversified interests, to debut the Courtyard by Marriott brand in Sri Lanka.
“We are delighted to strengthen our Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of hotels in Sri Lanka with today’s signing,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International.
“This signing underscores our long-term commitment to Sri Lanka as a strategically important market, offering the potential to grow our brands and provide customers with more choices”, he said.
Set in the heart of Colombo city adjacent to the Beira Lake, the Courtyard by Marriott Colombo will provide convenient business connectivity and excellent views of the city skyline. Slated to feature 164 modern-styled guest rooms and suites, the hotel will offer an inviting hospitality experience through its intuitive service and uplifting spaces, allowing business and leisure guests to shift gears smoothly from work to relaxation.
Design plans call for thoughtfully designed rooms, featuring a functional work area, smart amenities, and high-speed internet access, empowering guests to stay both connected and productive while on the road, no matter the purpose of their trip.
“We are very pleased to collaborate with Abans Group, who share our vision to offer smart, intuitive service and high-quality accommodation in Sri Lanka,” commented Kiran Andicot, Regional Vice President – Development, South Asia, Marriott International.
The hotel is set to feature two dining venues – including an all-day dining restaurant offering a combination of Western dishes, Asian favourites and a host of local delicacies, as well as an adjoining Lobby Lounge decked with a full-service bar and a quick-bites menu. Additional plans call for a well-equipped 24-hour fitness centre, an outdoor swimming pool and meeting rooms to be fully equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and wireless internet.
“We are happy to have forged this strategic alliance with Marriott International and we are keen to see our relationship grow from strength to strength. We now eagerly look forward to opening the first Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Sri Lanka and are excited to have Marriott International with us at Colombo City Centre,” said Mrs. Aban Pestonjee, Chairperson of Abans Group.
Behman Pestonjee, Managing Director of Abans PLC Group, said: “We are delighted to partner with Marriott International – the world’s largest hospitality group. With plans for more similar developments to follow, is a testimony to our confidence in the market and our long-term commitment to contribute to the growth of our beautiful city. We gladly welcome the entry of Marriott into Colombo City Centre and our Group.”
“Abans PLC and Marriott International have jointly recognized the growth potential in our island nation. We are confident that tourism will bounce back to its full glory shortly. Colombo is one of the most sought-after cities in South Asia, as it is highly cosmopolitan and is a melting pot of several cultures. Marriott and ourselves are perfectly poised for long innings together,” affirmed Praveen Methil, CEO of Colombo City Centre.
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
