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The WTC Colombo, Sri Lanka’s best business address celebrates 25 successful years

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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.



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Ambeon Securities hosts exclusive investor forum on Sri Lanka’s economic and market outlook

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The event was organized with the objective of providing investors with valuable insights to make better-informed investment decisions while further strengthening the firm's engagement with its growing client base.

Ambeon Securities recently hosted an exclusive investor forum, bringing together clients, investors, business leaders, and market professionals for an insightful discussion on Sri Lanka’s economic outlook and investment opportunities amidst a challenging global landscape.

The event was organized with the objective of providing investors with valuable insights to make better-informed investment decisions while further strengthening the firm’s engagement with its growing client base.

The forum featured Baqar Zaidi, Director and Chief Economist for Sri Lanka and India at Citi Research, as the keynote speaker. Sharing his perspectives on the evolving global macroeconomic environment, Mr. Zaidi discussed key themes influencing emerging and frontier markets, Sri Lanka’s economic trajectory, and the opportunities lie ahead.

The keynote address was followed by an engaging panel discussion comprising Baqar Zaidi, Aravinda De Silva, respected investor, entrepreneur, and the Chairman of Arcasia Holdings. Hasitha Premaratne, Group Managing Director of Brandix and Asanka Herath, Chief Executive Officer – Unit Trusts and Head of Equities at LYNEAR Wealth Management.

Moderated by Imran Furkan, the panel explored a range of topics including Sri Lanka’s macroeconomic outlook, the future of the Colombo Stock Exchange, sectoral opportunities, capital allocation strategies, investor confidence, and the role of policy reforms in attracting investment and supporting long-term growth.

Speaking at the event, Charith Kamaladasa, Chief Executive Officer of Ambeon Securities, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to facilitate quality insights, informed perspectives, and meaningful dialogue to support their clients while building lasting relationships with them. He noted that in an environment where uncertainty has become the new normal, equipping investors with timely information and expert perspectives is essential for successful wealth creation.

The event was well attended by a distinguished gathering of institutional investors, high-net-worth investors, and business leaders. Among those present were members of the Ambeon Group Board, including Group Chairman Sujeewa Mudalige, Group CEO Dr. Sajeeva Narangoda, and Chairman of Ambeon Securities Mangala Boyagoda. Their presence, together with the participation of Ambeon Group shareholders and valued clients, enriched the discussions and contributed to a vibrant networking session, fostering meaningful dialogue and stronger connections within the investment community.

Through initiatives such as this, Ambeon Securities continues to reinforce its commitment to helping clients navigate evolving market conditions, make informed investment decisions, and achieve their long-term financial goals.

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Tata Group leads humanitarian education support initiative with DIMO and ChildFund

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The Tata Group, in partnership with ChildFund and DIMO, has successfully implemented a humanitarian education support initiative for disaster-affected schoolchildren in Sri Lanka, reaffirming its commitment to helping communities recover from the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah and the subsequent floods.

Following a formal request for support from Sri Lanka, an on-ground assessment was conducted in December 2025. Recognizing the urgent need, several Tata companies joined forces to implement the response program.

As part of this initiative, the ‘Hope in a Backpack’ programme, which provides disaster-affected children with essential educational supplies, was launched by the Tata Group at Taj Samudra, Colombo, in the presence of the Chief Guest, Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya; the Guest of Honour, Hon. Indian High Commissioner Santhosh Jha; Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO; Chacko Thomas, Group Chief Sustainability Officer, Tata Sons; and Aditi Ghosh, Country Director, ChildFund.

This initiative is part of DIMO’s Social and Community Pillar, under the project theme ‘Lassana Hetak,’ which focuses on giving the future generation a helping hand towards a better future.

This collective effort was further strengthened by volunteers from Tata and DIMO, who actively mobilized on the ground to pack, distribute, and support affected communities. During the proceedings, specially invited schoolchildren received the backpacks with essential supplies as well.

Commenting on the partnership, Ranjith Pandithage, Chairman of DIMO, said: “DIMO is proud to collaborate on this meaningful initiative alongside the Tata Group and ChildFund as the local implementation and logistics partner. Our relationship with Tata spans more than six decades and has been built on a shared commitment to ethical business practices, trust, and creating lasting value for the communities we serve. These values have shaped our partnership over the years, extending beyond business to initiatives that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

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NovaNest Properties launches Rainbow Apartments in Ratmalana

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Samitha Waidyasekera CEO - NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd

NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd has officially launched Rainbow Apartments, a new residential development in Ratmalana. The announcement was made at an official launch event held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, marking the company’s latest addition to Sri Lanka’s growing apartment market.

The development is designed to cater to homebuyers seeking modern urban living, as well as investors looking for long-term value. Rainbow Apartments is located in Ratmalana, an area of increasing residential interest, and benefits from the suburb’s established social infrastructure, proximity to major transportation links, and accessibility to Colombo.

The project reflects NovaNest Properties’ commitment to delivering quality residential developments that combine contemporary design with practical living. Intended to satisfy the evolving lifestyle demands of today’s homeowners, Rainbow Apartments features thoughtfully designed living spaces supported by modern amenities. These include two infinity pools, a gym, fully functional workspaces, a mini theatre, stylish cafés, a mini-mart, and a children’s daycare. Additionally, it features a full time medical centre backed by Nawaloka Hospitals PLC Colombo, with a 24-hour ambulance service.

Commenting on the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of NovaNest Properties (Pvt) Ltd, Samitha Waidyasekera, said, “Today’s buyers are looking beyond square footage. In addition to providing long-term value, they want homes that are close to the places where they work, learn, and spend their time. With that shift in mind, Rainbow Apartments was created to bring together a strategic location, thoughtful design, and quality construction in a way that will continue to meet buyers’ needs for years to come. Through our promise of ‘Luxury Beyond Expectations,’ we are committed to delivering an elevated lifestyle experience that combines comfort, convenience, and modern living.

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