Sri Lanka to get 7-star Shangri-La hotel


Dec 28, 2010 (LBO) - Hong Kong-based leisure group Shangri-La has signed a deal to acquire land to build a seven-star hotel in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, the chairman of the tourism authority Nalaka Godahewa said.

Shangri-La signed the agreement Tuesday to acquire 10 acres of government property near the Galle Face green promenade, Godahewa told Vimasuma.com, our sister news website.
The army headquarters which is now located on the land, considered prime commercial property, is to be moved to another location in a Colombo suburb.

Godahewa said Shangri-La will invest about 500 million US dollars in the hotel project which will have almost 500 rooms.

Sri Lanka is experiencing a tourism boom, with arrivals up sharply, after the end of the island's 30-year ethnic war in 2009.


http://www.lbo.lk/fullstory.php?nid=2085828114

just a little curious if only the army grounds is being sold? or whether the ministry of defence and also army HQ has been sold as well to Shangri La?

Security Forces HQ moving to Akuragoda



COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s Army, Navy and Air Force offices in Colombo are being moved to a massive 48-acre complex at Akuragoda in Pelawatta, Battaramulla, opposite the present Army Volunteer Force Headquarters, making way for the Colombo city development programme.

The Urban Development Authority (UDA) has started clearing the area to begin the construction work. According to official sources, the Army, Navy and Air Force headquarters and several of its Colombo establishments will be housed in one area at Akuragoda with preliminary plans already drawn up. Several other administrative offices were also being shifted to the Sri Jayawadenapura, Kotte area.
At present around 500 acres of prime land are occupied by the armed forces with the country’s five star city hotels, banks and commercial buildings clustered in the same area. This area will be cleared for the proposed US$ 500-million tourism zone in Colombo's Beira Lake area with a US $100-million hotel-casino complex.

The Shangri-La group based in Hong Kong is to be given the land housing the present Army Headquarters and military sports ground in Colombo to build a US $75 million (incorrect: land was sold for US$75 million, hotel is going to be built at US$500 million) luxury hotel and apartment complex. The armed forces occupy prime property in Colombo City and this perhaps was a legacy from British regime when Colombo was a garrison city and at the same time was the principal port and administrative centre, the sources said.

President Mahinda Rajapakse placed the UDA under the command of the Defence Ministry as part of the City of Colombo Development Plan to attract investors and tourists. The plan was initially drawn up in 1999 and re-announced in 2008, but shelved because of the opposition of shanty dwellers, who make up nearly half the city’s population. The government has already launched the Colombo city development programme aimed at making Colombo an International Business Centre and Financial Hub integrated with Tourism and Accommodation Facilities. Measures have been taken by the UDA to clear shanties where 66,000 families live in Colombo’s prime lands in an extent of 450 acres and use such land for other purposes.


http://www.mediawitty.com/test/NewsDetail.aspx?group_id=43&folder_id=40&id=7973&Page_Title=Security%20Forces%20HQ%20moving%20to%20Akuragoda

Although this is really good news, what exactly is a "seven star" hotel?

Yeah, this 'seven-star' classification is quickly used in Sri Lanka, it definitely can't be international, because there are only a handful of real, international 6 and 7 star hotels...this would be a 5 star in normal classification...

So is it safe to say that the land used will be the one highlighted in red below??
btw i heard reports that not only will they be building a hotel, but also commerical spaces (a mall maybe.) and some even say that there might build serviced apartments like how they have in Singapore. Not sure about the sources so cant be really sure.


http://i52.tinypic.com/znpwu1.jpg

According to the treasury secretaryDr. P.B. Jayasundara , they have reportedly paid $75 million for the prime land. anyway awesome news , now cant wait to see Shangri-La press release^^
:cheers::cheers::cheers:

if this for real, its worth the investment.

So is it safe to say that the land used will be the one highlighted in red below??
btw i heard reports that not only will they be building a hotel, but also commerical spaces (a mall maybe.) and some even say that there might build serviced apartments like how they have in Singapore. Not sure about the sources so cant be really sure.


http://i52.tinypic.com/znpwu1.jpg

So is it safe to say that the land used will be the one highlighted in red below??
btw i heard reports that not only will they be building a hotel, but also commerical spaces (a mall maybe.) and some even say that there might build serviced apartments like how they have in Singapore. Not sure about the sources so cant be really sure.


Shang- or Shangri-lah, in the region, has some mixed developments, and in Singapore, it is a Hotel + service apartment, 5 star, and in another nearby country, they are on 5 star as well, with a mall, serviced apartments, non-serviced apartments and hotel.

Still i am a bit perplexed about the '7 star' thing .. well, as a matter of fact, not to be funny, but most 5 star hotels in CMB will struggle to get a 4 star rating elsewhere .. :D :D

7 star is just a marketing gimmick. Although some hotels claim six or seven star rating, there is no formal rating over 5 star.

Any idea how many floors this will be ?

Shangri-La, famous for its numerous hotels around the world, would soon start work on its latest venture, a seven-star hotel near the Galle Face Green promenade, where the Army Headquarters now stands.
Representatives of Shangri-La are said to have signed an agreement with officials of the Government to acquire 10 acres of the said property. BOI reports that a total of US$ 75 million has been spent for this purpose.
Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism Nalaka Godahewa speaking to Daily FT stated that the project would be completed with an estimated investment of US$ 500 million and would have 500 rooms. Employment generation will also be substantial, he said.
Godahewa stated that the project would move forward very swiftly and work on it would start as early as end 2011.
“I assume they will need about six months for the designing process and so on. By the latter part of 2011, construction work should start,” Godahewa said. “The project has moved very fast from the discussion stage to the implementation stage. Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera was instrumental in hurrying up the process.”
According to the agreement, the Army Headquarters will be moved to a different location. Details will not be revealed until later next year, the Chairman said. However, the relocation will be done in several stages and would be completed by the time hotel construction is ready to start.
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group and is regarded as one of the world’s finest hotel ownership and management companies. Shangri-La began in 1971 with its first deluxe hotel in Singapore. Today, there are 70 hotels and resorts throughout Asia Pacific, North America and the Middle East, representing a room inventory of over 30,000.
New hotels are under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, India, Macau, Philippines, Qatar, Turkey and United Kingdom.

FT (http://www.ft.lk/2010/12/30/sri-lanka-to-see-seven-stars-soon/)

Dealers speculated that the Shangri La deal concluded between the Hong Kong based hotel chain and the government has resulted in an inflow of US$ 75 to 100 million on Tuesday.

"There was an inflow of dollars on Tuesday and we believe it could be a result of the Shangri La deal. We believe the inflow amounts to anything between US$ 75 to 100 million," a dealer told The Island Financial Review.

At the time of going in to press, senior officials of Sri Lanka Tourism, and Bank of Ceylon were not available for comment.

The rupee began the week at Rs. 111.30 against the dollar and strengthened further to Rs. 110.90 on Tuesday. At the time of writing yesterday (29), the dollar was trading at 110.88/93, dealers said.

Shangri La Hotels is planning to construct the only 7 star hotel in a 10 acres plot owned by the Defence Ministry overlooking the Galle Face green.

The project is estimated at US$ 500 million.

Shangri La is also planning to develop 150 acres of land in Hambantota.

Island (http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=14603)

Do you know what they plan on the Hambantota land. Is it a spawling resort of high with villas. The details are very sketchy from the tourism authority and also from the developer itself. Their URL is not updated on this planned investment.

Dealers speculated that the Shangri La deal concluded between the Hong Kong based hotel chain and the government has resulted in an inflow of US$ 75 to 100 million on Tuesday.

"There was an inflow of dollars on Tuesday and we believe it could be a result of the Shangri La deal. We believe the inflow amounts to anything between US$ 75 to 100 million," a dealer told The Island Financial Review.

At the time of going in to press, senior officials of Sri Lanka Tourism, and Bank of Ceylon were not available for comment.

The rupee began the week at Rs. 111.30 against the dollar and strengthened further to Rs. 110.90 on Tuesday. At the time of writing yesterday (29), the dollar was trading at 110.88/93, dealers said.

Shangri La Hotels is planning to construct the only 7 star hotel in a 10 acres plot owned by the Defence Ministry overlooking the Galle Face green.

The project is estimated at US$ 500 million.

Shangri La is also planning to develop 150 acres of land in Hambantota.

Island (http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=14603)

Do you know what they plan on the Hambantota land. Is it a spawling resort of high with villas. The details are very sketchy from the tourism authority and also from the developer itself. Their URL is not updated on this planned investment.

No idea, well they say itz gonna be an upmarket resort:)

http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=14665

By Mario Andree

Hong Kong based leisure chain Shangri La has concluded an outright purchase of a 10 acre plot in Colombo facing the Galle Face green owned by the Defence Ministry, for US$ 125 million, a top official said.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Chairman Dr. Nalaka Godahewa told The Island Financial Review that the outright purchase was concluded with an upfront payment of US$ 75 million with the balance US$ 50 million to be paid later.

Shangri La is expected to invest US$ 500 million in what would be the only seven star hotel in Sri Lanka.

The Island Financial Review yesterday (30) reported that the US$ 75 million inflow had appreciated the rupee.

Representing the Government of Sri Lanka, President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa, Lalith Weerathunga, Secretary to the President, P B Jayasundera, Secretary to the Treasury, Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence among other government officials.
http://print.dailymirror.lk/images/Shangrila.jpg
Representing Shangri-La Hotels, Madhu Rao- Executive Director/ Chief Financial Officer - Shangri-La Asia Limited, Sajad Mawzoon- Director- Shangri-La Hotels Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Kuok Meng Xiong - Senior Assistant to the Chairman of Shangri-La Asia Ltd. Also attended by Sabrinah Mawzoon and Faisza Musthafa Markar.

Plans to open a new hotel in Colombo in 2014 and 300-key resort in Hambanthota

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Asia Limited yesterday officially announced the purchase of six acres of Government land facing the Galle Face Green promenade, a prominent landmark in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

The development will be a multi-use complex with high end retailing, deluxe apartments and a 500-key luxury hotel to open in early 2014 and the purchase marks the entry of the hotel group into Sri Lanka, often referred to as 'The Pearl of the Indian Ocean', a statement by the hotel chain said.

Shangri La is also planning to develop a second property, a 300-key city resort on approximately 100 acres of land in Hambantota, on the southern coast of Sri Lanka to open in 2013.

"Sri Lanka is a country of unsurpassed natural beauty, rich in cultural heritage and above all it is well recognized for its warm and hospitable population," said Greg Dogan, president and chief executive officer of Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd.

"The government is fully committed to rebuilding the economy following the end of three decades of conflict and we believe that Shangri-La will be able to assist in positioning the country as a prime global tourist destination.

Both Shangri-La hotels strategically fit into the group's ongoing expansion plans to link the Indian subcontinent and our South East Asia developments", Mr. Dogan concluded.

"The entry of the Shangri-la global network is an endorsement of the economic prospects that Sri Lanka has gained since His Excellency the President, Mahinda Rajapaksa ending the long drawn conflict, and accelerating long term infrastructure development, through the creation of a stable economic environment while promoting a rural-centric development strategy. It also marks the beginning of a new journey of a high level of
Foreign Direct Investment that Sri Lanka needs in order to accelerate an economic growth in excess of eight per cent and position Sri Lanka as an emerging middle income country in Asia", commented the Secretary to the Treasury.

The Secretary also confirmed that several of the world's leading investors have expressed interest to undertake a wide range of investment activities in 2011.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Asia Limited, one of the world's premier hotel companies, currently owns and/or manages 70 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders brands, with a room inventory of over 30,000. Over almost four decades, the group has established its brand hallmark of 'hospitality from the heart.' The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in Austria, Canada, mainland China, India, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Mongolia, Russia, Qatar, Turkey and United Kingdom.



DM (http://print.dailymirror.lk/business/127-local/31819.html)

http://www.ft.lk/wp-content/uploads/file/DFT-Page-1-indd%2821%29.jpg

http://oi56.tinypic.com/2cctn3l.jpg

Shangri La's 300 room resort in Hambantota according the The Island newspaper

http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=14940

I'm highly skeptical of this illustration.

This is another location's existing hotel with similar layout. Concrete plans will help to affirm their intention.http://oi56.tinypic.com/2cctn3l.jpg

Shangri La's 300 room resort in Hambantota according the The Island newspaper

http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=14940

I'm highly skeptical of this illustration.

Shangri La's official press release:

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts to Open a New Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 2014

4 Jan 2011 Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Asia Limited announced the purchase of six acres of government land facing the Galle Face green promenade, a prominent landmark in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The development will be a multi-use complex with high-end retail facilities, deluxe apartments and a 500-key luxury hotel to open in early 2014. The purchase marks the entry of the hotel group into Sri Lanka, often referred to as “The Pearl of the Indian Ocean.”

http://www.shangri-la.com/en/corporate/press/pressrelease/48174

That's a superb location, right at the beach, in the lesser densed corner of Colombo :eek:

I can confirm that there is activity at the site, the structures that are there now are being torn down and taken apart, also a heavy lifting crane was seen doing some heavy lifting so there is progress being made which is good news!

I can not wait to see some renderings.

http://oi56.tinypic.com/2cctn3l.jpg

Shangri La's 300 room resort in Hambantota according the The Island newspaper

http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=14940

I'm highly skeptical of this illustration.

This is good step :banana:

This is good step :banana:

so they are building two Shangri la`s ? One in colombo and another one in Hambantota ?

so they are building two Shangri la`s ? One in colombo and another one in Hambantota ?

Yes. They expected to open both hotels in 2013(Hambantota) and the other one in 2014(Colombo) :)

The Hong Kong based hotel chain Shangri-La is planning to open 17 more new hotels in the region while its Hambantota project located in the south of Sri Lanka is off the ground as it hopes the island nation would be the next key tourism destination.
http://www.madnewsonline.com/2008/07/images/ma_Shangri-La_01.jpg

Shangri-La International Hotel Management, Hong Kong, Director for CSR and Sustainability, Ms. Patricia Gallardo, addressing the Charted Institute of Management Accountants’ Business Leaders Summit said Shangri-La hoped to develop 17 new hotels in the region next year and that its Hambantota project had already moved on to the next level of development.


"We are here to help the Sri Lankan economy grow and we would like to blend in with the country’s culture and environment. We are not here to destroy it," she said.


Ms. Gallardo said the tourism industry was ranked among the highest revenue earners in the global economy and would be the highest foreign exchange earner here in Sri Lanka as well within the next few years.


The number of world tourists by 2020 is expected to reach 1.6 billion since more than 1 billion tourists were recorded in 2010 according to the World Tourism Organization.


"The total tourist arrivals by region shows that by 2020 the top three receiving regions will be Europe (717 million tourists), East Asia and the Pacific (397 million) and the Americas (282 million), followed by Africa, the Middle East and South Asia," WTO data showed.


South Asia would attract 19 million tourists by 2020. Sri Lanka hopes to attract 2.5 million tourists by 2016 and 5 million by 2020.


Earlier this year, Shangri La Asia Limited announced the purchase of six acres of government land facing the Galle Face green promenade, a prominent landmark in Colombo, Sri Lanka.


The development will be a multi-use complex with high-end retailing, deluxe apartments and 500-key luxury hotel to open early 2014. The purchase marks the entry of the hotel group in Sri Lanka, often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Indian ocean’," the hotel group had said then. The outright purchase was concluded for US$ 125 million, and the property is to be developed into the country’s only 7-star hotel. The land belonged to the Ministry of Defence.


Shangri La is also planning a second property, a 300-key city resort on approximately 100 acres of land in Hambantota, on the southern coast of Sri Lanka to open in 2013.


"Sri Lanka is a country of unsurpassed natural beauty, rich in cultural heritage and above all, it is well recognised for its warm and hospitable population," said Greg Dogan, President and CEO of Shangri La International Hotel Management Ltd had once said of the once conflict-torn island.


Shangri La manages 70 hotels worldwide with a room inventory of over 30,000. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in Austria, Canada, mainland China, India, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Mongolia, Russia, Qatar, Turkey and United Kingdom.


Island.lk (http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=28437)

This is another location's existing hotel with similar layout. Concrete plans will help to affirm their intention.

emm.. That's actually Shangri-la in Cebu, the Philippines. Not the plan for Hambantota

Looking forward to Shangri-la in Colombo... As Shangri-la staff I can stay 6 free nights in each property per year.

I dont belive its 7-star.. It's just a normal 5-star hotel.

Sri Lanka Shangri La hotel designs being wrapped up: official
July 5, 2011 (LBO) - Hong Kong based Shangri La group's two hotels in Sri Lanka which are now in the final design stage will cost as much 630 million US dollars to build, chief financial officer Madhu Rao said.

The group bought a six acre block of state land in Colombo's 'Galle Face' beach front for 125 million US dollars to build a 500 room hotel, shopping and apartment complex.
"The design takes a long time freeze because of the integrated structure we have to careful that whole thing is very seamless," Rao said on the sidelines of an economic forum in Colombo.

"Right now soil tests will start. Once the designs are frozen then only the foundation work will start."

He said the Colombo project will start "well before the end of the year." The hotel is expected to open in 2014.

The Colombo projects room may have a little more than 500 rooms once designs are complete, he said.

The resort in Hambantota will have 300 rooms and 50 villas. The resort may cost between 120 to 130 million US dollars to build, Rao said. It is expected to open in 2013.

The group entered Sri Lanka after a 30-yer war ended in 2009 raising the prospects for its tourist industry. Arrivals rose 40 percent in 2010 and are up a similar amount so far this year.

"We are here becase we believe Sri Lanka is an attractive destination, a country with great potential," he told an economic forum organized by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Sri Lanka's largest business chamber.

"We believe we can improve infrastructure in the areas we operate in."

The group operates 72 hotels in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Unlike most other global brands which run as franchises on third party hotels, Shangri La owns 56 of its properties.

It operates under three brands, the top end '5-star deluxe' Shangri La, 5-star Kerry Hotels and 4-star Traders.
:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts:^^^^^^^^:banana::banana::banana:

Shangri La Asia says Colombo hotel design delays project

COLOMBO | Tue Jul 5, 2011 6:19am EDT

(Reuters) - Hong Kong based Shangri La Asia (0069.HK) on Monday said its Colombo luxury hotel project will be completed by end 2014, later than the scheduled date in early that year due to complexity of the design.

Shangri La in January said the development in Colombo will be a multi-use complex with high-end retail facilities, deluxe apartments and a 500-room luxury hotel and expected to open in early 2014.

It has also planned to develop a second property, a 300-room city resort on approximately 100 acres of land in Hambantota, on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, scheduled to open in 2013.

The total investment for both projects has been estimated at $500 million.

Madhu Rao, the executive director and chief financial officer of Shangri La Asia on Monday said the Colombo hotel project has not yet started and it will need three years to complete from the date of digging the ground.

"Colombo will take another two-three months, because designs are much more complicated here," Rao told Reuters in the sideline of a national economic forum in Colombo.

"It's very very complex. A lot of integration and various elements have to take place. So till we are satisfied that all the design elements come into place like we wanted, we can't start foundation work. Colombo will be 36 months from the time we start digging the ground."

Rao said the company expects to start Hambantota project in August and complete its first phase by 2013.

Sri Lanka's tourism sector has already secured $1.2 billion investment including from Shangri La due to the post-war tourism boom in the Indian Ocean Island nation.

"We are impressed with the potential," Rao said referring to tourist attraction towards Sri Lanka. "Honestly I tell you, we will bring in quality products and see people coming in a big way." (Reporting by Shihar Aneez; Editing by Diane Craft)

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/05/uk-srilanka-shangrila-idUSLNE76401O20110705

^^^
If the design is complex and complicated, it better look nice

http://www.ft.lk/wp-content/uploads/file/p1-pic(10).jpg

Perhaps squashing rumours that its project is off(ohh :ohno::ohno:dont say that), Shangri-La Hotel this week put up a large hoarding at its site in Galle Face announcing that it will be opened for business by 2015. Shangri-La is the biggest and initial breakthrough for post-war Sri Lanka’s tourism sector with an estimated $ 600 million investment in a luxury five star cum shopping complex in the city and a resort in Hambantota – Pic by Upul Abayasekara

FT.LK (http://www.ft.lk/2011/09/09/shangri-la-show-opening-2015/)

http://www.ft.lk/wp-content/uploads/file/p1-pic(10).jpg

Perhaps squashing rumours that its project is off(ohh :ohno::ohno:dont say that), Shangri-La Hotel this week put up a large hoarding at its site in Galle Face announcing that it will be opened for business by 2015. Shangri-La is the biggest and initial breakthrough for post-war Sri Lanka’s tourism sector with an estimated $ 600 million investment in a luxury five star cum shopping complex in the city and a resort in Hambantota – Pic by Upul Abayasekara

FT.LK (http://www.ft.lk/2011/09/09/shangri-la-show-opening-2015/)

Its good to know that they are serious and hope the final design comes thru and approved and piling can start. I am sure this would be breakthru for other major brands to come and setup shop.

Updated: September 2011

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Asia Limited announced the purchase of six acres of government land facing the Galle Face green promenade, a prominent landmark in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The development will be a multi-use complex with high-end retail facilities, deluxe apartments and a 700-key luxury hotel to open in early 2014. The purchase marks the entry of the hotel group into Sri Lanka, often referred to as “The Pearl of the Indian Ocean.”

Shangri-La is also planning to develop a second property, a 161 rooms and 20 villas beachside resort on the southern Hambantota coast , to open in 2013.

“Sri Lanka is a country of unsurpassed natural beauty, rich in cultural heritage, and above all it is well recognised for its warm and hospitable population. The local government is fully committed to rebuilding the economy following the end of three decades of conflict and we believe that Shangri-La will be able to assist in positioning the country as a prime global tourist destination. Both Shangri-La hotels strategically fit into the group’s ongoing expansion plans to link the Indian subcontinent and our South East Asia developments,” said Greg Dogan, president and chief executive officer of Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd.
To Open A New Hotel In Colombo, Sri Lanka In 2014
‘The entry of the Shangri-La global network is an endorsement of the economic prospects that Sri Lanka has gained since His Excellency the President, Mahinda Rajapaksa ending the long drawn conflict, and accelerating long term infrastructure development, through the creation of a stable economic environment while promoting a rural-centric development strategy. It also marks the beginning of a new journey of a high level of Foreign Direct Investment that Sri Lanka needs in order to accelerate an economic growth in excess of eight percent and position Sri Lanka as an emerging middle income country in Asia’, commented the Secretary to the Treasury. The Secretary also confirmed that several of the world’s leading investors have expressed interest to undertake a wide range of investment activities in 2011.

link (http://www.shangri-la.com/en/corporate/press/pressrelease/48174)

Updated: September 2011

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Asia Limited announced the purchase of six acres of government land facing the Galle Face green promenade, a prominent landmark in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The development will be a multi-use complex with high-end retail facilities, deluxe apartments and a 700-key luxury hotel to open in early 2014. The purchase marks the entry of the hotel group into Sri Lanka, often referred to as “The Pearl of the Indian Ocean.”

Shangri-La is also planning to develop a second property, a 161 rooms and 20 villas beachside resort on the southern Hambantota coast , to open in 2013.

“Sri Lanka is a country of unsurpassed natural beauty, rich in cultural heritage, and above all it is well recognised for its warm and hospitable population. The local government is fully committed to rebuilding the economy following the end of three decades of conflict and we believe that Shangri-La will be able to assist in positioning the country as a prime global tourist destination. Both Shangri-La hotels strategically fit into the group’s ongoing expansion plans to link the Indian subcontinent and our South East Asia developments,” said Greg Dogan, president and chief executive officer of Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd.
To Open A New Hotel In Colombo, Sri Lanka In 2014
‘The entry of the Shangri-La global network is an endorsement of the economic prospects that Sri Lanka has gained since His Excellency the President, Mahinda Rajapaksa ending the long drawn conflict, and accelerating long term infrastructure development, through the creation of a stable economic environment while promoting a rural-centric development strategy. It also marks the beginning of a new journey of a high level of Foreign Direct Investment that Sri Lanka needs in order to accelerate an economic growth in excess of eight percent and position Sri Lanka as an emerging middle income country in Asia’, commented the Secretary to the Treasury. The Secretary also confirmed that several of the world’s leading investors have expressed interest to undertake a wide range of investment activities in 2011.

link (http://www.shangri-la.com/en/corporate/press/pressrelease/48174)

Its good to know but I haven't heard anything new from the developer nor from the government. So much hype initially but nothing seems to be getting off the ground. We need more inputs with pix as well as video from those members living in the city of Colombo.

any renders for the downtown project?

any renders for the downtown project?

Not yet.

Shangri La has said it's a very complex design and that is why the design process is taking so long.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/04/srilanka-shangrila-idUSL3E7I41SZ20110704

Not yet.

Shangri La has said it's a very complex design and that is why the design process is taking so long.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/07/04/srilanka-shangrila-idUSL3E7I41SZ20110704

After successfully completing a US$ 125 million land deal earlier this year to develop Sri Lanka’s first seven star hotel, the Hong Kong based Shangri-La Group recently (23) submitted its project proposal to the Economic Development Ministry.

According to a ministry source, the compilation of several reports, including the feasibility report and environmental impact assessment, would commence shortly. The hotel is expected to commence operations by 2013.

Shangri-La in March this year concluded the deal to purchase ten acres of land facing the Gall Face Green for US$ 125 million.

Shangri La is also planning to develop a second property, a 300-key city resort on approximately 100 acres of land in Hambantota, on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, also to open in 2013.

Sources said the land was purchased outright from private owners.

Island.lk (http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=37587)

I look forward to it.

http://oi56.tinypic.com/2cctn3l.jpg

Shangri La's 300 room resort in Hambantota according the The Island newspaper

http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=14940

I'm highly skeptical of this illustration.

This is Shangri-la Mactan in Cebu, Philippines
http://www.islasphilippines.com/images/mainShangrilaMactan.jpg
http://cebucruising.com/images/aerial/Mactan%20Shangri%20la%20500.jpg

This is Shangri-la Mactan in Cebu, Philippines
http://www.islasphilippines.com/images/mainShangrilaMactan.jpg
http://cebucruising.com/images/aerial/Mactan%20Shangri%20la%20500.jpg

Well thats anice depiction of the Philippines resort. A more modern unique concept would be better.

Shangri-La begins recruitment of construction professionals for it's two Sri Lanka properties with construction scheduled to begin in March

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La leisure group has called for suitably qualified professionals for construction related vacancies as the company is gearing to commence the construction of its two hotels in Colombo and Hambantota, Ceylon FT learns.


Shangri-La earlier had purchased a 10 acre plot facing Colombo’s premier property Galle Face Green for US $ 125 million and another property in Hambantota at a cost of US $ 3.5 million.

Hong Kong based Shangri-La leisure group’s Chief Financial Officer Madhu Rao on his earlier visit to the island in 2011 had said that its two hotels in Sri Lanka which were now in the final design stage would cost about US$ 630 million to build and that the soil tests were to start immediately while the foundation work would start once the designs are completed. According to Rao, the Colombo project is expected to open in 2014 and will have 500 rooms and cost $500 million. The Resort in Hambantota which is expected to open in 2013, is to have 300 rooms and 50 villas, and cost 130 million.

http://www.ceylontoday.lk/news-detail.php?news_id=1671&news_category_id=22

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_232RxOt7JE8/TUcaptau75I/AAAAAAAAABI/EY0WGdlU85g/s1600/Shangri+La+proposed+Site+in+Colombo.jpg

Am not sure whether it covers all that... does the land that was given to Shangri La extend all the way to the water's edge? (which would mean it includes Baladaksha Mawatha). I thought it was Army Headquarters + some of the grounds.

I don't think it does either, but not sure where in there the 6-10 acres Shangri-La did purchase is.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_232RxOt7JE8/TUcaptau75I/AAAAAAAAABI/EY0WGdlU85g/s1600/Shangri+La+proposed+Site+in+Colombo.jpg

Interesting info..do u know the exact or ough estimated location of Sheraton and other big projects in the offing...we need the plan details published online like other cities forums

Interesting info..do u know the exact or ough estimated location of Sheraton and other big projects in the offing...we need the plan details published online like other cities forums



Are there any news on design of the hotel ????:):)

Construction of Shangri-La hotels to be launched this month


Details Published on Thursday, 19 January 2012 11:31 Hits: 819

Construction work of Shangri-La’s resort in Hambantota is to be started later this month. Meanwhile, the launching of Shangri-La’s flagship venture in Galle Face will be held in February.

This was disclosed by the Hambantota Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa addressing a media conference yesterday. Mr. Rajapaksa said that Shangri-La is to invest around 600 Million U.S.Dollrs in both projects. He said that construction work on new resorts by Sri Lanka Insurance and China Harbour will also commence shortly, and a few more ventures are also to be established in Hambantota to cater to the tourist industry.

Mr. Rajapaksa said that with the opening of Mattala International Airport for charters, from later this year, as well as the commencement of other industrial and commercial projects within the airport zone, and outside, there will be a true revival of tourism and industries in the South which would be a major boost to the national economy.

The Hambantota Parliamentarian disclosed that it has been identified that South and Uva are the sources for around 50% of the Lankan migrant work for the Middle East. He said that existing and growing base will encourage Middle Eastern airlines to operate flights directly to and from Mattala airport.

Referring to tourist potential in the South Mr. Rajapaksa said that the deep-South provides the best diversity as a tourist destination and if combined with East Coast and other nearby attractions, for tour operating companies and holidaymakers alike Mattala will be the best arrival point for the tourists. He said that at present a tourist in the South coast as part of the last leg of his round trip has to travel back to Colombo to take a flight home. He said that opening of the Southern Expressway has also encouraged the tourists to visit the South saving their much precious time. Mr. Rajapaksa said that cruise tourism is another growth area identified by the Government and the Galle Port will be developed with necessary facilities for yachts.(niz)

http://www.news.lk/news/sri-lanka/1273-construction-of-shangri-la-hotels-to-be-launched-this-month

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/02/21/bus04.asp

Hope an update on designs will be available soon.

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/02/21/bus04.asp

Hope an update on designs will be available soon.

The much-anticipated construction of Shangri-La hotels in Sri Lanka worth $ 500 million will commence soon with the groundbreaking ceremonies of both properties being scheduled for later this week.
The groundbreaking ceremony of Shangri-La Hotel Colombo will be held this Friday at 10:28 a.m. under the patronage of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, while the ceremony for Shangri-La Hambantota Resort and Spa will be held on Saturday at 11:22 a.m. under the patronage of Speaker of Parliament Chamal Rajapaksa and Hambantota District Development Committee MP Namal Rajapaksa.

Shangri-La Lanka is said to have invested US$ 125 million for the land facing the Galle Face Green promenade and another US$ 120 for the Hambantota Sitrakala Estate.

The Colombo development will feature a multi-use complex with high end retail facilities, deluxe apartments and a 650 key luxury hotel to be opened in 2014. The second property in the southern part of the country will be a 161 room and 20 villa beachside resort to be launched in 2013. Investment for both hotels is said to exceed US$ 500 million.
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is one of the world’s premier hotel companies currently owning/managing 72 hotels under the Shangri-La, Kerry and Traders brands with a room inventory of over 30,000. The group has a substantial development pipeline with projects in Canada, mainland China, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Mongolia, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkey and United Kingdom.

FT (http://www.ft.lk/2012/02/21/shangri-la-projects-to-break-ground-this-week/)

Design of the hotel in the background?

http://med.gov.lk/english/wp-content/gallery/2012-02-24-shangri-la-hotel-complex-in-sri-lanka/05.jpg

http://med.gov.lk/english/wp-content/gallery/2012-02-24-shangri-la-hotel-complex-in-sri-lanka/06.jpg

http://med.gov.lk/english/wp-content/gallery/2012-02-24-shangri-la-hotel-complex-in-sri-lanka/03.jpg

Shangri-La Asia says new Sri Lanka hotels to cost 10 pct more

COLOMBO | Fri Feb 24, 2012 7:49am EST

Feb 24 (Reuters) - Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Asia said on Friday the cost of building two new luxury hotels in Sri Lanka has risen 10 percent to $550 million.

"The cost has slightly gone up. Between the two projects it's about $550 million," Chief Financial Officer Madhu Rao told Reuters after the groundbreaking ceremony for the start of work on its planned 661-room hotel in Colombo.

He said the higher cost was because of last-minute design changes.

"It will take about three years to finish," he said, adding that the Colombo development will include shop units, apartments and conference facilities. That puts completion in 2015, instead of the originally planned 2014.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts initially planned to spend $500 million on the Colombo project and another 315-room hotel in the southern district of Hambantota.

Since the end of the civil war in 2009 Sri Lanka has attracted $1.2 billion in tourism investment, including from Shangri-La, and is targeting $3 billion by 2016 due to a post-war boom in tourism.

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/24/srilanka-shangrila-idUSL4E8DO4JA20120224

Design of the hotel in the background?

http://med.gov.lk/english/wp-content/gallery/2012-02-24-shangri-la-hotel-complex-in-sri-lanka/05.jpg

http://med.gov.lk/english/wp-content/gallery/2012-02-24-shangri-la-hotel-complex-in-sri-lanka/06.jpg

http://med.gov.lk/english/wp-content/gallery/2012-02-24-shangri-la-hotel-complex-in-sri-lanka/03.jpg

Awesome man,, Three face 30 story tower

Shangri-La Hotel Colombo will be built according to sustainability guidelines with 661 rooms offering some of the largest accommodation in town at 45 square metres to 55 square metres (484 square feet to 592 square feet). This also includes 43 suites ranging in size from 90 square metres to 225 square metres (968 square feet to 2,421 square feet).A wide range of restaurant concepts will also be a key feature in the integrated hotel project with a sushi bar, steakhouse, seafood market, Indian restaurant, Islamic restaurant as well as a sky lounge planned for the top floor. There will be an all-day-dining venue offering various food concepts throughout the day including Straits Spice Market, a Szechuan and a Macanese restaurant. A take-out deli, Irish pub, tea lounge and wine/cigar room will round out the culinary offer.

The premises will also host the largest meeting facilities in the city with 4,780 square metres (50,598 square feet) of function space allocated over three floors to host meetings, receptions and private functions.

A health club, spa with eight treatment rooms, an outdoor junior Olympic-size lap pool at 25 by 12 metres and two outdoor tennis courts will complete the recreational facilities.

http://www.ft.lk/2012/02/25/shangri-la-breaks-ground-on-sri-lankan-soil/

http://www.ft.lk/2012/02/25/shangri-la-breaks-ground-on-sri-lankan-soil/

hmmmm....no mention of the apartments or the upscale mall.

I just got back from a festival in our town, and really exhausted but was so excited by the rendering that I did a 'half-ass' job trying to integrate it into the skyline. It gives us an idea of how the tower may change the skyline.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/Ilovemtl2/Colombo-Skyline-Sag.jpg

I just got back from a festival in our town, and really exhausted but was so excited by the rendering that I did a 'half-ass' job trying to integrate it into the skyline. It gives us an idea of how the tower may change the skyline.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/Ilovemtl2/Colombo-Skyline-Sag.jpg

Ohh I ashok it be a big a*S building since it has 3façades and they have to incorporate 661 room in to one giant building!

Ohh I ashok it be a big a*S building since it has 3façades and they have to incorporate 661 room in to one giant building!

I am sure all the economic advisors, business advisors and various pandiths have done lots of studies before starting this project. But it gives me a sort of an un easyness. 650+ rooms hotel is a Las-vegas hotel. While I am all for the idea of "Thinking Big" I am little concerned if we have room for 650 rooms of 5 star ++ accomdation in colombo.

Its best that Sri Lanka start taking few lessons from Dubai and other big-tourist-development bubles and start controling the future hotel room pipeline.

K.C

I just got back from a festival in our town, and really exhausted but was so excited by the rendering that I did a 'half-ass' job trying to integrate it into the skyline. It gives us an idea of how the tower may change the skyline.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y101/Ilovemtl2/Colombo-Skyline-Sag.jpg

Nice... but I think you've put it in the wrong position :) From that angle it should be standing a little to the right of the billboard. Also I wonder how tall it is going to be. Will be a nice view of the skyline from Galle Face though.

I am sure all the economic advisors, business advisors and various pandiths have done lots of studies before starting this project. But it gives me a sort of an un easyness. 650+ rooms hotel is a Las-vegas hotel. While I am all for the idea of "Thinking Big" I am little concerned if we have room for 650 rooms of 5 star ++ accomdation in colombo.

Its best that Sri Lanka start taking few lessons from Dubai and other big-tourist-development bubles and start controling the future hotel room pipeline.

K.C

I think the 600 includes all the apartments as well. Also if I am not mistaken it is Shangri La that is building this hotel, not the government and I'm sure the company must have done some research before committing itself to building this.

See that is what happen when you do things at 1 in the morning. If I have time I will get back to the drawing and change it.

Shangri La is another addition to Colombo Skyline that will make a awesome beauty to Gale Face area.

Another pic:

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/02/27/z_pi-Shangri02.jpg

http://www.dailynews.lk/2012/02/27/bus01.asp

I think the 600 includes all the apartments as well. Also if I am not mistaken it is Shangri La that is building this hotel, not the government and I'm sure the company must have done some research before committing itself to building this.

Agreed and it's great to have a top quality hotelier in the country. Shangri-La really know a thing or two about service and product quality. Unfortunately most Sri Lankan hotels hit patrons with high taxes and room rates with little in the way of service or product quality. Recently I was in Thailand and Oman and you really get much more "hotel" for your dollar compared to Sri Lanka. Hopefully the Shangri-La will set the trend.

In addition, 600 rooms for a city hotel is quite big, and much needed for Colombo. Vegas style hotels have rooms in the order of 2000-3000 ... Some even having 5000 rooms.

http://oi56.tinypic.com/2cctn3l.jpg

Shangri La's 300 room resort in Hambantota according the The Island newspaper

http://www.island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=14940

I'm highly skeptical of this illustration.
Does anyone know who the architect is for this Hambantota development?

The much-anticipated construction of Shangri-La hotels in Sri Lanka worth $ 500 million will commence soon with the groundbreaking ceremonies of both properties being scheduled for later this week.
The groundbreaking ceremony of Shangri-La Hotel Colombo will be held this Friday at 10:28 a.m. under the patronage of Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, while the ceremony for Shangri-La Hambantota Resort and Spa will be held on Saturday at 11:22 a.m. under the patronage of Speaker of Parliament Chamal Rajapaksa and Hambantota District Development Committee MP Namal Rajapaksa.

Shangri-La Lanka is said to have invested US$ 125 million for the land facing the Galle Face Green promenade and another US$ 120 for the Hambantota Sitrakala Estate.

The Colombo development will feature a multi-use complex with high end retail facilities, deluxe apartments and a 650 key luxury hotel to be opened in 2014. The second property in the southern part of the country will be a 161 room and 20 villa beachside resort to be launched in 2013. Investment for both hotels is said to exceed US$ 500 million.
Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is one of the world’s premier hotel companies currently owning/managing 72 hotels under the Shangri-La, Kerry and Traders brands with a room inventory of over 30,000. The group has a substantial development pipeline with projects in Canada, mainland China, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Mongolia, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Turkey and United Kingdom.

FT (http://www.ft.lk/2012/02/21/shangri-la-projects-to-break-ground-this-week/)
Do you know who the architect is for the Colombo Shangri La?

Do you know who the architect is for the Colombo Shangri La?

Pretty sure they are not Sri Lankan. Search through the threads, there are a few posts somewhere about who we thought the possible architects might be. Sorry, can't remember when or where those posts are.

yesterday i was passing by the the area but still i don't see any construction work in the land. no crane or anything . i thought they started a week back but no sign of any construction though. anybody know when there going to start the construction work ?

Found this rendering of Shngrila. So far the best one I've seen
http://ei.marketwatch.com/Multimedia/2012/03/08/Photos/MG/MW-AQ116_sri_la_20120308112116_MG.jpg?uuid=c7da4d48-693a-11e1-8125-002128040cf6

i thought they build only one building. whats the other 2 buildings in the background?. shangri la going to build that too ?

i thought they build only one building. whats the other 2 buildings in the background?. shangri la going to build that too ?


I don't think so.. I guess they are some other buildings in background.. :ohno:

Lets be more optimistic. ;-)

Shang- or Shangri-lah, in the region, has some mixed developments, and in Singapore, it is a Hotel + service apartment, 5 star, and in another nearby country, they are on 5 star as well, with a mall, serviced apartments, non-serviced apartments and hotel.

Still i am a bit perplexed about the '7 star' thing .. well, as a matter of fact, not to be funny, but most 5 star hotels in CMB will struggle to get a 4 star rating elsewhere .. :D :D

I stayed at Hilton Colombo, and it was fantastic, definitely 5 star. But I remember being told many times that it was the only "international" 5 star hotel if that means anything. I heard that Taj Samudra is also supposed to be very good.

We have 5 Shangri La hotels in India at the moment, though they are building more. I've stayed in a couple and I would say they are very good.

If these hotels are completed on time, I will definitely head to Lanka in 2014 and make a visit to both Hambantota and Colombo.

Btw, aside from Colombo, which other cities in Lanka have domestic airports(if any)?

I don't think so.. I guess they are some other buildings in background.. :ohno:

I was under the impression from the picture that the project consisted of the main hotel building + 2 apartment towers. Im probably wrong though.

I stayed at Hilton Colombo, and it was fantastic, definitely 5 star. But I remember being told many times that it was the only "international" 5 star hotel if that means anything. I heard that Taj Samudra is also supposed to be very good.

Cinnamon Grand considered to be the best in Colombo not Hilton:)

This is another location's existing hotel with similar layout. Concrete plans will help to affirm their intention.

AGREE!! :cheers::cheers::cheers:

Looks like nothing much is happening at the site?

http://i43.tinypic.com/eqv0yd.jpg

Image: Islandlooks, March 19 2012

Looks like nothing much is happening at the site?

http://i43.tinypic.com/eqv0yd.jpg

Image: Islandlooks, March 19 2012

Hmmm:)

If this is the up to date picture then nothing happening as of yet. What is the green patchy area near the lake or the roundabout. Further, where is that old parliament building?

Appreciate more pictures of othe areas of Colombo.

Lots of derelict buildings to the left and beyond the water, clearly can be earmarked for regeneration.

Also right next to the clearing for Shangri-La thing and coming to the camera do those buildings house the MoD??

If so, they will most likely be cleared out once the new MoD & Tri-services HQs are moved to Pellawatte.

If this is the up to date picture then nothing happening as of yet. What is the green patchy area near the lake or the roundabout. Further, where is that old parliament building?

Appreciate more pictures of othe areas of Colombo.

Old parliament has been cut off ,,, well once the new head quarters of MOD completed they will all go and also sathsiripaya phase 2 also under construction meaning that most of state officers will also go!

Found this rendering of Shngrila. So far the best one I've seen
http://ei.marketwatch.com/Multimedia/2012/03/08/Photos/MG/MW-AQ116_sri_la_20120308112116_MG.jpg?uuid=c7da4d48-693a-11e1-8125-002128040cf6


I'm not happy with 30 floors...... :ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno:
We hope at least 45 or 50 floors by such international branded hotel.. Even domestic hotels & apartments reached 30 - 37 floors. Isn't it guys ??

Still we couldnt able to exceed up Colombo WTC from 1990's..
So sad..

:bash::bash::bash::bash: