Business
Shangri-La appoints JLL as exclusive leasing agent for One Galle Face Tower in Colombo, Sri Lanka
From left to right – Timothy Wright, Vice President (Operations) for the Shangri-La Group in Sri Lanka and Sanjeev Nair, Senior Director – Facilities and Property Management, JLL
In a first for the commercial real estate industry in Sri Lanka, the Shangri-La Group — one of the world’s premier developers, owners and operators of hotel and investment properties — has appointed JLL (NSYE: JLL) as its exclusive leasing agent for the One Galle Face Tower (OGFT), located in the heart of Colombo.
With the country setting itself aggressive foreign direct investment targets in 2021, the need for premium Grade ‘A’ office and commercial real estate from both domestic and foreign establishments is expected to intensify. JLL, with its operations in over 80 international markets, can pair its local market knowledge with its access to global multinational relationships and capital sources to better tap on the real estate inventory in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Inaugurated in 2019, OGFT comprises approximately 531,000 square feet of luxury Grade ‘A’ office space spread over 38 almost column-free floors. OGFT is the only ready-to-move-in Grade ‘A’ office building in Colombo built to Green Mark Gold standards and offers landlord-operated flexible office options and meeting facilities specifically for its tenants.
Home to world-renowned banks, financial institutions and MNCs, OGFT provides corporations ease and convenience as it forms part of the larger One Galle Face development that comprises of the One Galle Face Mall, The Residences at One Galle Face and Shangri-La Colombo.
Timothy Wright, Vice President (Operations) for the Shangri-La Group in Sri Lanka, said, “We are excited to enter into this first-of-its-kind partnership with JLL, which we believe would be transformational for Colombo’s commercial leasing sector. One Galle Face Tower is among a small inventory of Grade ‘A’ commercial real estate here in the country. The variety of real estate solutions we can deploy, coupled with our trademark brand of hospitality for our clients, makes us a very attractive proposition for companies looking to upgrade their existing locations and move into premium buildings.
“Paired with JLL’s reputation as one of the top global real estate brokerages representing and advising some of the world’s leading multinational companies on their real estate needs, we believe we are well poised to attract additional new names to Colombo’s premier office address.”
“Our research shows that the latest real estate trends focus heavily on building quality, health and safety of employees, and a collaborative work environment. We are, therefore, very excited to represent Shangri-La due to the high-quality of asset, with premium amenities and advanced security features, having high potential to attract a prime tenant
mix. As their exclusive agent, we will provide Shangri-La with an end-to-end property leasing solution, from identifying the right tenant for the building to completing the lease execution process to the satisfaction of both the landlord and tenants,” said Jerry Kingsley, Country Head – Sri Lanka, JLL
“JLL has global experience and local knowledge, topped with an excellent track record in leasing transactions for premium Class A assets. The expertise of our team will ensure that the client has a seamless leasing experience from start to finish. We believe that the current tenant mix of OGFT and high market acceptance of the asset, backed by the developer’s exceptional regional track record and JLL’s global and local leasing expertise, will ensure this collaboration bears fruit and become one of the landmark partnerships contributing significantly to transforming the commercial real estate industry in Sri Lanka,” he added.
JLL first established operations in Sri Lanka in 2011. In the years since, the firm has garnered a reputation of combining local market knowledge with its access to global multinational relationships and capital sources, to provide Sri Lankan corporates, government agencies and clients with superior execution, towards transforming their real estate portfolios into efficient inventories, as well as in raising capital for real estate assets. JLL has been recognized by Ethisphere, a global leader in defining and advancing the standards of ethical business practices, as one of the 2021 World’s Most Ethical Companies.
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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