Araliya Group launches Galle hotel amidst environmental protests
The politically-powerful Araliya Group of companies is expanding its hotel chains’ room capacity to 1,014 rooms following the planned opening of the 304 room Unawatuna luxury beach hotel in Galle on March 20, amidst environmental protests.
The 14 storied new luxury beach resort and spa was built at a cost of US$17.12 million in the backdrop of the Rumassala sanctuary, Unawatuna beach and exotic coral reef with the aim of becoming the number one iconic hotel in Asia, Araliya rice brand business tycoon Dudley Sirisena and brother of former President Maithripala Sirisena, told the Business Times.
Unawatuna is one of the 10 best and most charming seashores in the world, he said. The company also has a hotel in Nuwara Eliya.
Environmentalists and politicians are vehemently protesting against these mega hotel projects by Mr. Sirisena claiming that environmentally exotic and highly receptive areas in the South and Upcountry were being severely devastated by these initiatives.
Rejecting allegations of environmental destruction, Mr. Sirisena noted that these projects had been carried out following all environmental conservation guidelines with the clearance and approval of relevant government institutions including the coast conservation department.
He said COVID-19 will continue to figure in Sri Lanka’s future of the hospitality industry amidst zero tourist arrivals for eight consecutive months since end March last year.
“Somebody should come up with positive mind set pinning hope for the initial rebound in travel demand to pick up slowly, but surely in many destinations including Sri Lanka within a month or two,” he said.
Therefore, hoteliers should take necessary measures to be well prepared for a recovery, while also devising proper revival strategy with positive expectations, he added.
“Providing an upscale, luxury hotel experience while implementing safety measures during COVID-19 pandemic is no minor matter,” he said adding that he has already opened Araliya red hotel in the picturesque surroundings and the natural beauty of Nuwara Eliya and its race course.
The Araliya group continues its hotel network expansion with the plan of building a 40 room extension to Milton hotel in Unawatuna Galle with a day-night food court and Irish pub especially for the benefit of local travellers.
The modern food court with all facilities will cater to the needs of travellers using Galle road to visit their home villages and towns in the South, Mr Sirisena said adding that this will be most probably his last project before bidding adieu to his business empire – handing over the reins to his senior management.