Business
The WTC Colombo, Sri Lanka’s best business address celebrates 25 successful years
Uniquely located in the heart of the Central Business District, the World Trade Center Colombo celebrates 25 successful years, continuing to mark its presence as the city’s most iconic commercial landmark and sought-after business address.
In 1991, founder and chairman of the Shing Kwan Group, Singapore S.P. Tao, with visionary foresight and entrepreneurial spirit set course to develop a futuristic commercial complex in the Island. To achieve his goal, Tao acquired Overseas Realty (Ceylon) Ltd., a listed company in the Colombo Stock Exchange, which owned the undeveloped plot of land at Echelon Square.
As among the first and most prominent foreign investors in Sri Lanka, Tao realised that to fulfil his vision, an ingenious plan with three major givens was required – the most appropriate design concept, a world leading construction company and no bank borrowings.
Tao’s enthusiastic passion for Sri Lanka and unyielding confidence of its growth prospects, was brought to fruition with the 39-storey twin towers being commissioned. Fast tracking development for the country, the ground-breaking for the country’s then tallest structure, with an investment of USD 130 million, took place in 1992.
It was at that time said to be the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) and years ahead of any commercial development in the country. On 12 October 1997, the WTC Colombo was formally declared open.
Tao’s bold leadership steered the company throughout three decades where he functioned as Chairman until his demise last year.
Today, the impressive office towers remain a renowned feature of Colombo’s skyline housing the largest business to business network under one roof, offering a corporate ecosystem comprising world-class infrastructure with many conveniences and amenities.
As a formal validation of WTC Colombo’s commitment to excellence in facilities and services, it is the exclusive license holder for the global ‘World Trade Center’ and ‘WTC’ trademarks owned by the World Trade Centers Association – a distinguished global brand facilitating international trade with its influential network of over 325 World Trade Centers spread across 100 countries.
To continue to provide superior facilities and services to tenants and visitors, the World Trade Center, Colombo completed its refurbishment program in April 2021. Enhancing the work atmosphere and convenience for tenants, a comprehensive refurbishment of all interiors and retrofitting of all major MEP systems was undertaken.
Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC, Group Director/CEO Pravir Samarasinghe said, “WTC is recognised as a landmark workplace based in the heart of Colombo for many global and well-established local businesses. As we celebrate our milestone 25th anniversary, we take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to our clientele, partners, stakeholders and employees as we continue to be the best possible business address in Colombo. Moreover, our recognition, in-line with iconic global properties associated with the WTC brand, is a strong testament to the Company’s dedication and commitment to excellence in providing quality office space.”
Endorsing its reputation for delivering the best in design, facilities and services to tenants, the WTC Colombo continues to attract prestigious local, and multinational companies. Today, the building houses leading clients such as the Colombo Stock Exchange, Securities Exchange Commission, Board of Investment, Huawei Technologies, Glaxo SmithKline, Earnest & Young Global Deliver Services, Lanka IOC, Mitsubishi Corporation, Deloitte Consulting, Valible One, Bharti Airtel, China Harbour Engineering Company, Asia Broadcasting Corporation, etc.
As the owner, manager, and the developer of the renowned iconic World Trade Center Colombo, Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC, continues to dominate the office market bringing extensive expertise, domain knowledge and experience to its real estate developments. The company is also the developer of Havelock City, the largest integrated mixed-use development built in the heart of Colombo with both Residential and Commercial components.
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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