News
ITC RATNADIPA launched in Colombo
ITC Limited’s wholly owned subsidiary WelcomHotels Lanka (Private) Limited has launched ITC Ratnadipa, a jewel in Colombo’s skyline that promises to enrich the tourism and hospitality landscape of Sri Lanka. This flagship hospitality icon of ITC Hotels was inaugurated on Thursday by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in the presence of Prime Minister Dinesh Gunewardena, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and Chairman and Managing Director, ITC Ltd, India Sanjiv Puri.
ITC Ratnadipa or “Island of Gems” offers 352 guest rooms, suites and service apartments, each adorned with private balconies with breath taking waterfront views. This landmark complex situated along the shores of the Indian Ocean on one side and Beira Lake on the other, comprises two stellar towers that stand gracefully together presenting impeccable hospitality at both ITC Ratnadipa Hotel and the luxurious Sapphire Residences. Connecting the two towers at a height of 100 meters, is the first of its kind, state of the art ‘Ahasa’ sky bridge, an architectural marvel.
Chairman and Manging Director of ITC Ltd Sanjiv Puri said: “ITC is one of India’s foremost multi-business conglomerates with businesses in Consumer Goods, Hotels, Paperboards & Packaging, Agri Business and Information Technology. The Company has over the years, built iconic properties across India that are inspired by the
ITC Hotels’ philosophy of being rooted to the soil and reflect the unique architecture, vibrant culture and grandeur of the region. These world-class hotels offer globally renowned signature cuisines, best-in-class services and have pioneered an ethos of Responsible Luxury.
ITC Ratnadipa is meticulously designed to showcase the beauty and rich culture of Sri Lanka, seamlessly blending contemporary elegance with timeless charm. The sprawling property symbolises the traditions of the island nation through its architectural design, culinary marvels and artistic expression. Work of Sri Lankan art maestros, including that of Sanjaya Seneviratne, Prasad Hettiarachchi to Laki Senanayake, Dominic Sansoni and more, adorns ITC Ratnadipa’s public areas.
Latest News
IMF Executive Board approves US$206 Million in Emergency Financial Support for Sri Lanka
The IMF Executive Board approved emergency financing under the Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI), providing Sri Lanka with immediate access to SDR 150.5 million (about US$206 million,
equivalent to 26 percent of quota) to help Sri Lanka address the urgent needs arising from the catastrophic Cyclone Ditwah and preserve macroeconomic stability.
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Navy clears major bridge obstructions in Peradeniya and Lewella
In response to severe weather impacts, the Sri Lanka Navy conducted a diving and technical assistance operation on Friday (19 Dec 25) to clear major debris obstructing vital infrastructure.
Heavy rainfall caused a significant rise in the water level of the Mahaweli River, washed large quantities of debris, including logs and bamboo, downstream. These remain lodged in the Diyakapanathota in Gatambe, Peradeniya and Lewella bridges, obstructing the smooth flow of water.
Acting promptly upon request, a Navy diving team executed a coordinated operation in collaboration with the Road Development Authority. The team removed the accumulated debris, restoring normal water flow through the bridges.
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Landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya extended till 8AM on Sunday (21)
The Landslide Early Warning Centre of the National Building Research Organization (NBRO) has extended the Landslide Early Warning issued to the districts of Badulla, Kandy, Kurunegala, Matale and Nuwara-Eliya till 08:00AM on Sunday (21st December 2025)
The LEVEL III RED landslide early warnings issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Medadumbara, Doluwa, Ududumbara and Minipe in the Kandy district, and Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Mathurata and
Walapane have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have also been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Soranathota, Hali_Ela, Passara, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Lunugala and Kandeketiya in the Badulla district, Thumpane, Harispattuwa, Udapalatha, Kundasale, Akurana, Poojapitiya, Udunuwara, Pathadumbara, Pasbage Korale, Gangawata Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Yatinuwara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Panvila, Pathahewaheta and Deltota in the Kandy district, Rideegama in the Kurunegala district, Ukuwela, Naula, Matale, Ambanganga Korale, Rattota, Pallepola, Wilgamuwa, Yatawatta and Laggala Pallegama in the Matale district, and Nuwara-Eliya in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secetaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Welimada, Haputhale, Haldummulla, Ella and
Bandarawela in the Badulla district, Alawwa, Mallawapitiya,
Polgahawela and Mawathagama in the Kurunegala district, and Kothmale East, Ambagamuwa Korale, Kothmale West, Thalawakele and Norwood in the Nuwara-Eliya district.
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