Accidental fire breaks out at Shangri La Hotel Hambantota opening, President unhurt

An accidental fire broke out at the opening of the Shangri La - Hambantota hotel this evening (6.55 pm- Wednesday) sparked by a display of firecrackers at an event where President Maithripala Sirisena was the chief guest. The President was unhurt, officials said.

Eyewitnesses said a few minutes after the President had opened the hotel in the lobby in a grand ceremony in this southern town, the guests moved to a garden near the poolside for cocktails and what was expected to be a spectacular evening of entertainment. A dazzling display of fireworks lit up the Hambantota skies but unfortunately for the hotel management and organisers, who had worked tirelessly in preparing for the opening of Sri Lanka's first top globally-branded hotel in 30 years, some of the sparks fell onto a thatched hut triggering flames that then lit the skies.

Panic set in but minutes later the fire brigade drove into the garden, battled the fire and brought it under control. Hotel management asked the guests to move to the ballroom for cocktails and dinner, temporarily cancelling the garden event.

The 300+ room 5 star hotel is set to transform Sri Lanka's tourism landscape. - ENDS -