Business
Macksons Tower: the latest mixed development project in Colombo
Macksons Tower by Macksons Developers was recently launched in the city of Colombo signifying the first mixed development project by Macksons Holdings. Situated at 12, Alfred House Gardens, Colombo 3, the property offers retail and office space with ample parking, thereby providing all required facilities at a convenient location. The soft opening was held in the presence of Milfer Makeen, chairman, Macksons Holdings, Mizver Makeen, Managing Director, Macksons Holdings and Ranga Goonawardena, Director/CEO, Macksons Developers.
Macksons Tower consists of of 19 levels, which is a total area of 100,000 square feet; from this area 70,000 square feet is rentable space. As a mixed developed project, the property has three levels of car park, retail space and nine floors of office space with a restaurant on the rooftop, which has two levels with beautiful panoramic views. Designed by renowned Sri Lanka architect, Priyantha Prematilake, the building design focuses on a green concept with in-built energy saving mechanisms. Solar powered renewable energy is used to power the building, together with the use of ‘Low E’, energy efficient glass, which reduces the heat thereby increasing the efficiency of the air conditioning. The interiors are spacious and beautiful with all required facilities provided for the smooth functioning of an office. Furthermore, due to its green concept there is also the provision to work within the office spaces without air conditioning. The construction was done by Tudawe Brothers, which is a C1 contractor. As a 100 percent Sri Lankan owned company, Sri Lankan building materials were used as much as possible.
As Ranga Goonawardena, Director/CEO, Macksons Developers explains, “There are so many advantages; we provide many facilities within the building itself and we are located in Central Colombo.” Due to its convenient location people can travel to Macksons Tower in their own transport or public transport. Though parking is a main issue in Colombo, the building provides ample parking space, many free spaces are available for parking in the vicinity as well. For those traveling by public transport, Galle Road and Duplication Road as well as the Bambalapitiya and Colpetty railway stations are within walking distance.
Macksons Developers did not presell the office spaces as they wanted the customer to see the property and make their decision. Furthermore, flexibility on the terms and conditions are provided as well. “We understand this is a challenging period and that the market too is competitive, therefore, we are open to negotiate and provide the best package that will fulfil the tenant’s requirements,” explained Ranga Goonawardena. Macksons Developers will also provide a reasonable grace period and a reasonable rate if the tenant is signing a long-term contract, where step-up leasing rental would be an option. “Even, if you are coming for a short-term contract we can be flexible on terms,” he further stated. Macksons Towers will offer co-working spaces in two floors. The emphasis is to provide support to businesses so that they are not burdened by rentals, thus both parties will be able to benefit through the process.
“We have an advantage because we completed the project, while new constructions projects have not been initiated in the past year. Therefore, we have a small lead. As a Group we are very positive about the market and we will continue to make investments in property development,” stated Ranga Goonawardena.
Macksons Tower is BOI registered project. Macksons Developers is a BOI approved company and is a member of Macksons Holdings. As a diversified group of 14 companies, other member companies include Multilac, Macktiles, Mans Lanka and Mandarina.
Gigalingua Lanka, a premier German language institute, officially launched in Colombo with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Felix Neumann, German ambassador to Sri Lanka. This marks a significant milestone for Sri Lankan professionals, especially nurses, looking to expand their careers in Germany’s thriving healthcare sector.
In collaboration with its strategic partner Global Care Solutions (Pvt) Ltd – a renowned company in the foreign recruitment industry – Gigalingua Lanka offers a unique pathway for Sri Lankan nurses and apprentices to master the German language and pursue rewarding career opportunities in Germany.
Dr. Felix Neumann, the Chief Guest at the event, expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of language education as a bridge to global career prospects. In his speech, Dr. Neumann noted, “German language is not only a means of communication, it is a gateway to global career opportunities.” He commended Gigalingua Lanka for providing valuable opportunities for Sri Lankans and addressing the critical demand for skilled workers, especially in the nursing sector in Germany.
Gigalingua Lanka is the first private institute in Sri Lanka to offer comprehensive German language training up to the B2 level, and conduct TELC exam. The institution also provides language training for apprentices, allowing them to undertake the Apprenticeship Program and contribute to the growing labor market in Germany. The collaboration between Gigalingua Lanka and Global Care Solutions is designed to meet Germany’s growing need for skilled workers, particularly in the healthcare sector.
The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Dr. Felix Neumann , Arthur Senanayake (chairman of IWS Holdings), Eran Wickramaratne – former MP, Chandra Schaffter – ( Founder of Janashakthi Insurance ), Dhammika Attygalle (Director Upali Group of Companies and President Automobile Association of Ceylon) Former Wing Commander Buwaneka Abeysuriya (Ex- chairman Janatha Estates Development Board).
Chairman of Global Care Solutions, Thomas Michael Kriwat, who is also chairman of the Mercmarine Group of Companies in Germany, highlighted the significance of the new training center. He said, “We are bringing world-class German occupational language training to Colombo, offering a structured, career-focused pathway for Sri Lankan professionals. By introducing TELC (The European Language Certificates) as an officially certified German language test authority, we are increasing accessibility for students seeking internationally recognized qualifications.”
At the thanksgiving speech, Dr. Rajan Sara, Managing Director of Global Care Solutions and Director of Gigalingua Lanka, outlined the critical need for foreign nurses in Germany. “Germany is facing a significant shortage of nurses, estimated to need an additional 150,000 by 2025. This is exacerbated by an aging population and increasing healthcare demands. Over 47,000 vacancies in the healthcare sector remain unfilled, making it an ideal time for Sri Lankan nurses to seize this opportunity,” Dr. Sara explained. (Gigalingua Lanka)
In keeping with its vision to consistently evolve and address accelerated business growth needs, Brown & Company PLC recently unveiled its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and warehouse facility in Katunayake. Strategically located within minutes of the Bandaranaike International Airport and the nation’s rapidly evolving highway network, the space is positioned to significantly enhance Browns’ logistical capabilities. The hub will enable seamless access to key markets across the island, further solidifying the Company’s principal role in a cross-section of industries.
The inaugural event of the Browns Group Industrial Park was attended by Ishara Nanayakkara, Chairman, Brown & Company PLC and Deputy Chairman, LOLC Holdings PLC and Kapila Jayawardene, Group Managing Director/CEO, LOLC Holdings PLC along with key officials from the Browns and LOLC Group.
Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider, has successfully launched the highly anticipated vivo V50 smartphone, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to bringing 5G technology and pro-level mobile experiences to Sri Lankan customers, with the first customer handover taking place on 27th March 2025.
The vivo V50, designed in collaboration with ZEISS, combines advanced features such as a 50MP ZEISS OIS Main Camera, a powerful Snapdragon® 7 Gen 3 processor, and a stunning 6,000mAh battery, all housed in a sleek, ultra-slim design. Available at an attractive price, the vivo V50 delivers unmatched mobile performance for work, play, and creativity, offering features such as AI-enhanced photography, 4K video recording, and lightning-fast 90W FlashCharge technology. The vivo V50 also boasts a 41° golden curvature for a comfortable grip and a premium, cinematic mobile experience.
Dialog’s partnership with vivo underscores its commitment to bringing the latest in 5G innovation to Sri Lanka, providing customers with access to next-generation mobile experiences and empowering them to capture, create, and connect like never before. The vivo V50 is now available for purchase at Dialog’s Experience Centers and via https://www.dialog.lk/phones/vivo-v50-5g-12gb.
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