Indian multi-business enterprise ITC’s tribute to the glorious and rich heritage of Sri Lanka
The ground breaking ceremony for the iconic luxury hotel and residences, ITC Colombo One, took place today and was graced by Basil Rajapaksa, Minister for Economic Development, Y K Sinha, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka and Y C Deveshwar, Chairman, ITC Limited, one of India’s largest multi-business enterprises. Several dignitaries lent their presence to this auspicious occasion including Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, Minister for Investment Promotion, His Worship the Mayor, A.J.M. Muzammil, Ajith Nivard Cabraal, Governer, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and Lieutenant General R M Daya Ratnayake, Army Commander.
Situated in the picturesque coastline overlooking the historic Galle Face Green, ITC Colombo One is likely to offer about 350 rooms in the first phase, more than 130 luxury residences, world-class banqueting and cuisine experiences for which ITC Hotels is globally renowned, as well as retail and full service office space. Located between the oceanfront and Beira Lake, the hotel will offer panoramic views of the Indian Ocean as well as the city of Colombo.
ITC Hotels is India’s largest luxury hotel chain and is a part of ITC Limited, a leading diversified enterprise in India. With a market cap of over $ 45 billion, ITC’s businesses in India span Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Hotels, Paperboards, Paper and Packaging, Agri Business and Information Technology. ITC Hotels is also internationally acclaimed for its cuisine excellence with globally awarded brands such as Bukhara, Dum Pukht and Dakshin and also for its indigenous spa brand Kaya Kalp. ITC Hotels has set global benchmarks in its services, integrating personalisation with state-of-the-art technology to deliver planet positive luxury experiences to its guests.
Commenting on ITC’s investment in Sri Lanka, Chairman, ITC, Mr. Y C Deveshwar said, “India and Sri Lanka have shared a common heritage in the sub-continent and have generations of rich socio-cultural ties. ITC Colombo One will build on this heritage and strengthen our relations even further. ITC dedicates this project to Sri Lanka and to its future progress and prosperity. I am sure that this landmark hotel will add a jewel to the crown of Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector.”
With an investment outlay of around US $ 300 million, this luxury hotel will be ITC’s maiden overseas foray in the hospitality sector.
ITC Colombo One is inspired by the rich cultural ethos of Sri Lanka, its history and architecture. Uniquely differentiated with superior environmental design, the hotel is slated to achieve a LEED Platinum rating. This echoes ITC’s Triple Bottomline approach to business which has inspired ITC Hotels’ credo of ‘Responsible Luxury’, an endeavour which is manifest in the highest rating accorded to green buildings in the world - LEED® platinum, for all its luxury hotels – making it the ‘greenest luxury hotel chain in the world. (HC/KH)
