News
Galadari Colombo spearheads renovation
Galadari Hotel Colombo has over the years built up an enviable reputation in the industry and proudly boasts of nearly four decades of exemplary service in hospitality. Initial operations of the Hotel was set up in 1984 under the management of the Meridien French chain of hotels. Entwined with Sri Lankan hospitality and French elegance this formed the perfect blend for Le Galadari Meridien Colombo, the much talked about and only French chain in the city at that time.
Thereafter, Marriott International Hotels, Inc. took over the management of the hotel in June 1993. The Marriott chain was extremely pleased to add Colombo Marriott Hotel to its portfolio of properties outside that of the United States.
In May of last year, Galadari Hotels Lanka PLC entered into a Hotel Development Services Agreement (HDSA) and a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Radisson Hotels Asia Pacific Investments Pte. Ltd with a view to engage with Multinational Hotelier, Radisson Hotels.
Recently, Galadari Hotels Lanka PLC successfully signed an agreement with the Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka as the first step towards the property’s refurbishment process.
The property will go through a total transformation which will enable the hotel to set new standards solidifying its high competitiveness in the industry. A world-renowned architectural company based in Hong Kong will overlook the overall designing process of the property. The first phase, which includes a project cost estimated at USD 33.5 million will include 196 rooms, restaurant outlets, guest lobby and common areas and a completely revamped hotel facade. The 2nd phase is expected to commence one year after the completion of phase 1.
The BOI signoff is the first of a series of events that will be taking place as the hotel starts its new journey, which will lead to the engagement with Radisson Hotels to manage Galadari Colombo under the new brand name “Radisson Blu Hotel Galadari Colombo”.
This paradigm shift will give the property an entirely new facelift. Complete with the most elegant rooms in the city topped with high-end restaurants and banquet venues, the property will soon be offering an entirely unique hospitality experience. This transformational journey will be the dawn of a new and exciting venture for Galadari Colombo.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake met with Ms. Severine Chappaz, the newly appointed Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), on Tuesday (25) at the Presidential Secretariat.
Discussions focused on the ICRC’s support for the new government’s policy framework. As part of this collaboration, the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society has agreed to provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to strengthen the Office on Missing Persons (OMP).
President Disanayake highlighted that the budget 2025 has allocated funds for on-going programs related to searching for missing persons.
Additionally, the President announced plans to celebrate “Sri Lankan Day” as a national initiative aimed at fostering unity and strengthening the country’s collective identity, transcending ethnic and religious differences.
The President expressed his gratitude to the ICRC for its humanitarian operations in Sri Lanka since 1989 and acknowledged its continued commitment to the country.
The meeting was also attended by Roshan Gamage, Senior Additional Secretary to the President, and Ruwanthi Jayasundara, Communications Manager of the ICRC.
The government is contemplating the implementation of a collaborative tourism initiative between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
This initiative was discussed on Tuesday (25) during a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and the High Commissioner of the Republic of Maldives, Masood Imad.
During the meeting, the High Commissioner congratulated the government on its recent electoral victory and expressed his satisfaction with the positive changes taking place in the country following the election results.
The discussions also emphasized the longstanding 60-year diplomatic relationship between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, focusing on strengthening and advancing this bilateral partnership.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake acknowledged and expressed his appreciation for the Maldives’ unique contributions in fortifying the ties between the two nations.
The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including Senior Additional Secretary to the President Roshan Gamage, Maldives Foreign Secretary Fathimath Inaya, and Additional Secretary Aminath Abdulla Didi.
A meeting between President Anura Kumara Disanayake and the Indonesian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Dewi Gustina Tobing, took place on Tuesday (25) at the Presidential Secretariat.
During the discussion, Ambassador Tobing extended Indonesia’s well wishes to the new government and reaffirmed Indonesia’s commitment to strengthening the 70-year-long friendship between the two nations.
The Ambassador highlighted that both Sri Lanka and Indonesia recently held simultaneous elections and established new governments. She further stated that Indonesia’s current administration will support the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, noting that measures have been taken to implement a similar initiative in Indonesia.
The discussions also focused on establishing vibrant trade agreements and free trade arrangements between the two nations.
Additionally, both parties explored opportunities to expand markets in a mutually beneficial manner while further strengthening economic, social and cultural ties.
Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Roshan Gamage and Indonesian Deputy Ambassador, Fiki Oktanio, were also present at the meeting.
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