Business
Rs.6.5bn worth Ocean Breeze Hotel Residencies Hikka project introduced to investors
Comprises 236 luxury apartments
Chairman Global Housing and Real Estate [Pvt] Ltd, Dasun Wickramarathna, introduced his latest development, Ocean Breeze Hotel Residencies Hikka, a Rs 6.5 Billion project, to an elite audience at the Victorian Room, Kingsbury recently. Global Housing & Real Estate [Pvt] Ltd is a company that engages in condominium and real estate development activities in Sri Lanka and is a fully owned subsidiary of Global Leasing Limited (GLL) under the Global Group of Companies. The Company was incorporated in 2003 and at present counts for over 18 years’ experience in construction and real estate condominium development. “This our latest project is a guaranteed, risk free, gilt edged investment and will be funded by our Group with private partnership and banking finance which is strategically segregated in various stages of the development to mitigate the risks involved, while our bankers are Bank of Ceylon, Sampath Bank , National Development Bank, Hatton National Bank and Commercial Bank.”, said Chairman Wickramarathna, speaking at the launch.
“We hope to have the ground breaking ceremony in March this year, with project completion in 36 months. Strategically located with beach frontage in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka’s most happening coastal area, Ocean Breeze Hotel Residencies – Hikka is set to become a hotspot for the adventurous and free-spirited socialiser and business person who can easily cruse in from the highway for a weekend or longer, thanks to its convenient location close to the highway.
A 70-metre beach front development, lined with cool cafes, refined restaurants, a chilled-out beach club, up market boutiques and a spa, it is in close proximity to all beach activities such as snorkeling, fun boards, jet ski and a turtle hatchery, while whale watching is just a mere 15 minutes by boat. This breath-taking integrated resort will define tourism and hospitality in the area and is geared to earn a minimum 30% to 40% capital gain. The project will also generate around 400 direct and indirect job opportunities in and around the area.
“Global Housing & Real Estate [Pvt] Ltd has grown in stature over the years to become a force, having venturing into various categories and segments of the property development industry and we continuously strive ahead of our competitors in delivering products which are innovative and which add value for all our stakeholders. Whether you are a seasoned investor or a first time buyer, we at Global Housing & Real Estate take time to understand exactly what your particular needs are and offer you the best solution, along with a wide range of products which are in our portfolio, whether it’s a traditional apartment, hotel residency or mixed development, with higher long term returns which are guaranteed to exceed your expectations. We have earned the trust and confidence of our clientele and are poised to take our place as a trusted name in the property development sector as well as the undoubted No1 Hotel Residency Developer in Sri Lanka”.
All construction is carried out by the construction arm of the group, MET Developers Holdings [Pvt] Ltd.
At present the Company has diversified its product portfolio with hotel residency developments in Negombo, Sigiriya and Nuwara Eliya, in addition to traditional condominium developments.
Ocean Breeze Hotel Residencies Hikka comprises 236 luxurious apartments, elegantly designed to blend and harmonise with the natural surroundings, as well as the surrounding cultural and traditional aspects, and is built according to stringent quality standards, and fitted with modern amenities to cater to even the most discerning client. Ranging from 400 sqft Studio Units to 1721 sqft three bedroom Duplex Dual Key apartments over 22 floors, the apartments cater to all your needs and gives one an affordable hotel experience coupled with the advantage of owning a superior property on the famous Hikka beach. Prices range from Rs.13.5M to Rs.100M plus, with attractive interest free repayment schemes facilitated by leading banks in the country to be paid in 36 months. “Investors could enjoy value added services of generating long term revenue generation by renting, as we offer management of property, thus making it a hassle free investment”.
Designed by Anushka Dassanayake who is the project architect, investors could avail themselves of an , investors could avail themselves of an apartment by merely paying a reservation fee of Rs 500,000/- and a 10% down payment.
ETM Leisure Ltd, a fully owned subsidiary of Global Leasing Ltd has been set up to manage the property and generate revenue on the longer run, making it a hassle free one stop shop for investment. With regards to training, Chairman Wickramarathna said ” I believe in the long term retention of employees, hence we recruit them young and train them on the job to gain experience and exposure under our skilled senior staff”.
Global Housing and Real Estate [Pvt] Ltd caters to the style-conscious traveler in some of the most sought-after destinations in Sri Lanka whilst generating revenue and value for its investors and owners. “We also intend expanding to Ella and Trincomalee as with the development of the highway network, it makes it worthwhile to interconnect all our properties which are within minutes of the highways”.
Business
Unilever Sri Lanka powers up sustainability with rooftop solar projects at Sapugaskanda
Unilever Sri Lanka has unveiled a state-of-the-art rooftop solar power system at its food factory and Distribution Center in Sapugaskanda. This project represents another step towards Unilever’s aim to convert to 100% renewable energy sources across its sites globally.
The project combines 1,672 solar panels from the two facilities to produce a total of 970kW, with an 810Kva inverter to support it. This system is anticipated to generate an outstanding 1.25 million kWh of electricity annually, fulfilling 33% of the facilities’ energy needs. With this most recent installation, Unilever Sri Lanka’s overall solar capacity including that of the Horana factory has increased to 4MW, further supporting the country’s goal of generating 75% of the energy requirement from renewables by 2050.
Speaking on the occasion, Damith Abeyratne, Supply Chain Director, Unilever Sri Lanka said: “At Unilever Sri Lanka, sustainability is a priority. Our recent solar installations in Sapugaskanda are an important step in our efforts to lessen our impact on the environment and support the country’s renewable energy targets. This project serves as a reminder of the private sector’s vital role in contributing to form Sri Lanka’s sustainable future.”
Unilever has an approved science-based target to achieve a 100% reduction in absolute Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, against a 2015 baseline. Achieving net zero emissions throughout its value chain by 2039 is one of Unilever’s long-term ambitions. Focusing on pragmatic steps, sooner rather than later, the company has created a comprehensive Climate Transition Action Plan (CTAP) that applies globally, guiding its actions to reduce GHG emissions over the next few years.
Business
Central Bank of Sri Lanka launches digital payments promotion campaign 2025
The Digital Payments Promotion Campaign 2025 under the theme of “Shaping the Future through Digital Transactions” was launched by Dr. Nandalal Weerasinghe, Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) on 9th January 2025, at the Magam Ruhunupura Administrative Complex in Hambantota. The campaign was organized by CBSL with the support of Mr. Bimal Indrajith De Silva, District Secretary of Hambantota, financial institutions and telecommunication service providers. The event was attended by a large number of public officials, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and the general public.
In his address, the Governor emphasized the critical role of modern technology and digital payments in driving the economic development of the country and uplifting the quality of life of the citizens. He highlighted the importance of popularising digital payments among all, with the involvement of government institutions, businesses and financial institutions. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Bimal Indrajith De Silva highlighted the need to simplify the processes and use of technology by the financial institutions to serve all segments of the society. Mr. J P R Karunaratne, Deputy Governor of CBSL stated that similar island-wide awareness campaigns would increase the financial inclusion in the remote areas of the country enabling all citizens to benefit from digital payments.
At this occasion, banks, finance companies, e-money service providers such as telecommunication companies, and mobile payment application providers, facilitated the registration of digital payment applications and offered guidance to the attendees on conveniently using their mobile phones to purchase goods from the vendors present at the venue using LANKAQR payment method, which is a fast, safe, less expensive and an easy way to make payments for their daily needs.
This awareness campaign is the first in a series of initiatives by CBSL, aimed at accelerating the adoption of digital payments island-wide, aligning with the broader strategy of the Government and CBSL to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth through digitalisation. (CBSL)
Business
Prof. Ajantha Samarakoon appointed chairman People’s Leasing & Finance
People’s Leasing & Finance PLC, a leader in non-banking financial services, has announced the appointment of Prof. Ajantha Samarakoon as its new Chairman of the Board, with effect from 31st December 2024, subsequent to receiving approval from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.
A distinguished academic and professional, Prof. Samarakoon brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to his new role, underpinned by an accomplished career spanning academia, industry, and public service. His appointment signals a fresh chapter for People’s Leasing & Finance, as the company continues to build on its reputation for innovation and excellence in the financial services sector.
Prof. Samarakoon also presently serves as a professor at the Department of Commerce and Financial Management of the Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies at the University of Kelaniya. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Special) Degree and a Master’s Degree from the same institution. He has also earned a PhD from the Faculty of Management and Economics at Tomas Bata University in the Czech Republic, supported by the prestigious Internationalisation Development Scholarship awarded by the Czech Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sports.
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