Business
Creating innovative spaces and world class construction projects
The Access Group consists of some of the country’s pioneering and innovative companies that have contributed to Sri Lanka’s corporate landscape.
Access Projects is among them – they commenced their own unique journey into creating iconic buildings with their flagship Access Towers 25 years ago. At the time, it was a unique building with its own footprint.
Heading the Access Projects is Managing Director Dilshan Ferdinando who has been associated with creating architecturally exceptional innovative spaces that have gone on to be some of the finest buildings in Sri Lanka.
The company made their mark in the field of construction in the leisure industry – from the interior fit out of the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel, to the lobby refurbishment and improvements of Chaya Blue in Trincomalee and Chaya Tranz in Hikkaduwa.
Another unique project was The Water’s Edge Golf Club, Club House and the banquet hall, undertaken personally by Dilshan himself to transform a marshy land into Colombo’s second Golf Course. This was a sustainable venture that was spread over 160 acres with an engineered set of water ways, lakes and canals. It involved removing perimeter urban waste and dredging 50 acres and using that material to create the golf playing fields. It still stands today with every tree retained and functional as a banquet facility.
” This was at the time when the war had ended and the hospitality industry was taking off. ” recalls Dilshan, ” We went on to do several banquet halls for city hotels as well as the renovations of the villas of Club Dolphin at Waikkal, yet another iconic hotel.”
The interiors of Waters Edge Golf & Country Club including the banquet hall was designed and built by Access Projects initially.
Yet another unique venture undertaken by Access Projects was the construction of Cape Weligama, a 50 key ultra-luxury resort for The Dilmah Group. “The project involved creating one of a kind, iconic villas with 13 swimming pools – the moon shaped pool was the largest infinity pool in Sri Lanka at the time, in 2014. The projects sought to use timber and locally sourced material for sustainability. It came with specific attention to detail, creating spaces that were all its own,” he adds.
When the iconic Galle Face Hotel sought restoration and renovation to meet the design elements of the Fifties, they chose Access Projects to handle the construction. Dilshan recalls carrying out extensive research with old photographs, paying attention to details and highlights that brought out the old world look and feel. A new ballroom was added to blend in with the existing architectural design of the old one, while all systems were renovated and updated.
Access Projects has also undertaken several iconic projects such as the Anantara Resort, a 250 key luxury hotel for the Hemas Group along with staff quarters and the banquet hall.
Access Projects was tasked with the construction of a modern 18 storeyed building for the Academy of Design – it came with specific design requirements – ‘ we made sure every one of those requirements were met – within budget and the time frame given.” he says.
Accredited with ISO 9001 – 2008 and ISO 14001 – 2004, and accredited to CIDA (Construction Industry Development Authority), Access Projects specializes in midscale specialist construction projects that call for attention to detail and meeting exacting architect and customer needs.
Business
Ambeon Securities hosts exclusive investor forum on Sri Lanka’s economic and market outlook
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.
Business
Tata Group leads humanitarian education support initiative with DIMO and ChildFund
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.”
Business
NovaNest Properties launches Rainbow Apartments in Ratmalana
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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