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.
Business
Low-floor buses launched to boost accessible public transport for differently-abled
A new low-floor bus service that gives priority to persons with disabilities and special needs was launched last Tuesday (21) from the Makumbura Multimodal Center (MMC).
The service was inaugurated under the patronage of Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, Bimal Rathnayake.
Accordingly, ten specially designed low-floor buses have been introduced into the transport service today. These buses are specially designed so that wheelchair users, visually impaired passengers and also expectant women can board the bus with ease, the Transport Ministry said.
Each bus has 30 passenger seats and separate seating areas have been allocated for passengers using wheelchairs.
The pilot project operates on routes from Makumbura to Colombo Fort and from Makumbura to Kadawatha. These routes also cover major hospitals including the Colombo National Hospital and the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
Speaking at the event, Subject Minister Bimal Rathnayake stated that while these buses prioritize the differently-abled community, they will also provide a comfortable and reliable transport service for all passengers.
He also noted that 122 low-floor buses are planned to be introduced into service before the end of this year, and that in the future the service will be expanded to areas such as Kandy, Batticaloa, Matara and Jaffna.
Business
Nestlé Lanka Announces Change in Leadership
Nestlé Lanka Limited has announced the appointment of Manav Sahni as its Chairman and Managing Director effective 01 May 2026. He will be succeeding Bernie Stefan, who will be transitioning to a new global role within the Nestlé Group. Bernie Stefan led Nestlé’s Sri Lankan operations through a particularly challenging time since 2023 – and has successfully guided the company through a strategic turnaround, positioning it on a axis for sustainable growth.
Speaking on his tenure at Nestlé Lanka, Bernie commented “Leading Nestlé Lanka has been a deeply meaningful chapter in my Nestlé journey. I am grateful to have worked alongside an amazing and resilient team that continues to make a difference for Sri Lankans across the country. On a personal note, it was an amazing opportunity to live on this beautiful island and experience firsthand the openness, warmth and kindness of its people, which has been the highlight of my Nestlé career to date. As Nestlé Lanka marks 120 years of enriching Sri Lankan lives, it is especially humbling to reflect on the role we have played in building on this legacy – positively touching individuals and families, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing our sustainability commitments. I am thankful to my colleagues, partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and trust, and to the wider business community, including through my role as a Board Member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, for the opportunity to reinforce Nestlé’s commitment to responsible corporate citizenship. I leave very confident in the strength of the team and the journey that lies ahead.”
Manav Sahni brings with him over 18 years of experience in the FMCG & Telecom sector. Prior to taking on the role as Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka Limited, he has been heading Nestlé’s Dairy business for the South Asia Region, where he expertly managed a highly diverse portfolio, driving sustainable business transformation.
“I am thrilled to take on the role of Chairman and Managing Director of Nestlé Lanka at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Nestlé has been part of Sri Lankan households for generations, and I am excited to work with the team to continue delighting consumers with tasty and nutritious products, while strengthening the positive impact we create through our brands and initiatives.”
Business
Majestic Cineplex Returns Bigger Better and More Immersive
Ceylon Theatres will unveil the newly revamped Majestic Cineplex on the 29th of April 2026, beginning a new chapter for one of Sri Lanka’s best known cinema destinations. Located at Majestic City Colombo, Majestic Cineplex returns with major technology upgrades, enhanced comfort, and a range of premium viewing options, reinforcing Ceylon Theatres’ long standing reputation for raising the bar in cinema entertainment experiences in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, the upgraded Cineplex will be completely open to the public from 29th April 2026 onwards.
For generations of moviegoers, Majestic Cineplex has been a landmark venue in Colombo, and its latest transformation brings together the nostalgia of a familiar name with the excitement of a modern cinema experience. Leading the new screen line up is Majestic Platinum, which introduces Sri Lanka’s first and only digital LED cinema screen. Designed to deliver sharper visuals, deeper contrast, richer colour, and outstanding clarity, the auditorium features a 3D 4K Tricorne LED Cinema Screen together with Dolby Atmos surround sound. Majestic Platinum offers 226 seats, including 18 VIP recliner seats for those chasing a premium cinema experience.
The cineplex also features three additional theatres, each designed to offer a high quality movie experience. Majestic Superior includes Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, and 7.1 surround sound, with seating for 150 patrons. Majestic Ultra features the same advanced projection and audio systems with 149 seats. Majestic Gold offers a more private luxury setting with Barco 2K projection, 3D capability, DTSX surround sound, and 30 leather recliner seats, ideal for those looking for the most premium and exclusive experience.
Patrons can also enjoy an upgraded café experience with freshly prepared and ready to eat food available for purchase at the counter, along with convenience of being served to your seat. The new café experience, together with the upgraded theatres make for a more relaxed, enjoyable, and fulfilling experience for everyone.
Discussing the relaunch, Ganga Rathuvithana, General Manager Operations at Ceylon Theatres said, “Majestic Cineplex has always been a special part of Colombo’s cinema culture, and we are proud to welcome audiences back with an experience that reflects the future of movie entertainment. We have always believed in investing in the best available technology, from introducing Sri Lanka’s first 3D cinema to now launching the country’s first digital LED cinema screen. Our revamped Majestic Cineplex is designed to give movie lovers something truly special.”
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