The Army grounds adjoining the Galle Face Green will be the site for an upmarket luxury hotel and apartment complex, the Cabinet has decided.
The project costing 75 million US dollars (Rs 8.3 billion) will be awarded to the internationally reputed Shangri-La group. A recommendation to provide this key site for development was made to the Cabinet by Economic Development Minister, Basil Rajapaksa.
The Government is to provide alternative land for the Sri Lanka Army to construct a bigger sports ground with all amenities. The Ministry of Economic Development is to assist in this task. At present, besides sports activities, the Army grounds is also being used as a heliport by the Sri Lanka Air Force for VIP flights. It has also been the venue for exhibitions and fun fairs conducted by the Army’s Seva Vanitha Unit.
Shangri-La group Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Kuok Khoon – Ean visited to Sri Lanka on August 18 in his private jet for talks with Minister Rajapaksa. He expressed his interest in setting up a hotel in Sri Lanka in the light of the ongoing post war development activity.
The Shangri-La group has 67 five star hotels and resorts in various countries including China, Japan, France, Russia, Britain, Qatar, Mongolia, Philippines, India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Indonesia, Canada and the Fiji Islands. |
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