President declares open The Golden Crown Hotel in Kandy

The Golden Crown Hotel, a super luxury, deluxe property located on two acres of beautifully landscaped gardens in Kandy and designed by renowned architect Dr. Upendra Rajapakse, was ceremonially declared open by President Maithripala Sirisena on 25 November.

Owned by The Golden Crown Hotel Ltd., which is a subsidiary of Serene Holdings, who already operate Serene Grand Hotel in Kandy, Serene Grand Villa in Kandy, Serene Kings Villa in Nuwara Eliya, Serene Villa in Nuwara Eliya and the Tea Village in Nuwara Eliya, which is currently under construction, The Golden Crown indeed promises to be the ‘Jewel in Kandy’s crown’.

The proceedings commenced with the President being welcomed by The Golden Crown Hotel Ltd. Chairman Sriyananda Wijekoon and his team. The President was then escorted to the hotel’s piece de resistance, the ‘Dancing Fountain’ after which the Channa Dance Troupe performed a scintillating Water Ballet.

The President thereafter proceeded to unveil the plaque commemorating the opening of The Golden Crown Hotel which was followed by the traditional lighting of the oil lamp.

Also present at the opening of The Golden Crown were several Ministers, Parliamentary Members, Central Province Governor and the Chief Minister and many other government officials. Also present were distinguished dignitaries from the hospitality industry and corporates.

Chairman Sriyananda Wijekoon speaking on the occasion said, “My family agreed that we have to have an appropriate, one of magnitude for the project that we were having in our minds, something that represents the hospitality industry and the glory of the Kandyan history and culture. We believe we did justice to both by naming this property ‘The Golden Crown’. When a guest enters the building their first glimpse is our front desk which is a handmade masterpiece of Kandyan art. Every feature of the sculpture signifies meanings of importance to our lives. To name a few of these features; the four nests of swans represent ‘purity’, the pot with lotus flowers and the lotus flower in the centre represent ‘prosperity’, etc. Any guest who visits The Golden Crown, leaves the property with a bit of Sri Lankan culture inculcated into them.”

 Managing Director Chanuka Wijekoon addressing the gathering said that this was a labour of love and was a project that he himself supervised personally. “I was completely hands on and every detail was overseen by myself. My father has taught me to be hands on with anything we undertake as he has, and I have always endeavoured to follow his example. The investment in The Golden Crown exceeds $ 15 million but we feel it will more than repay its dividends.”

General Manager Roshan Fernando, addressing the gathering said, “I am enchanted by the serene beauty of Kandy and The Golden Crown offers the perfect setting to enjoy the peace and quiet this historical city has to offer. The building in its entirety is of 300,000 sq. ft. and of the modern luxuries and amenities we offer our guests ensure they have a memorable stay.

The Golden Crown is a marvel of a structure capturing the proud unique Kandyan history in a modern contemporary setting. Every feature of the Hotel has been well thought through and tastefully designed to provide the guest with a memorable experience.” The Golden Crown Hotel is set amidst verdant paddy fields, surrounded by lush greenery and is a sanctuary to those seeking peace and luxury. 90 rooms including 72 Deluxe Rooms, 10 Junior Suites, 6 Premium Suites, a Crown Suite and a Presidential Suite complete with a private elevator for both the Presidential and Crown suites, comprise the hotel’s accommodation.

Veteran hospitality industry expert Roshan Fernando who heads The Golden Crown team has almost 40 years in the hospitality sector under his belt and will incorporate his strong leadership skills and prowess as a manager to ensure that The Golden Crown stays true to its name. The veteran hotelier has made his mark in South East Asia and proved his mettle as one of the finest hospitality industry personnel produced by Sri Lanka!

Diners are spoiled for choice with the array of restaurants and bars that The Golden Crown has on offer. The Brix (175 seater) serves an array of local, South Asian and international cuisines, while a combination of local, South Asian and international breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets are also available. The Long Bar reminiscent of an Irish pub, serves snacks, salads, soups, grilled items and tasty titbits, as well as desserts, while Treats, the Coffee Shop offers a fusion of Continental and Asian influenced ‘grab-n-go’ foods and a variety of freshly brewed coffees.  The Infinity pool swim-up bar serves informal poolside lunch menus with salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and refreshing cold desserts, while the Lavo (175 pax capacity) situated on the topmost floor is an upscale and chic night time venue. Lavo is also available for group dining, parties, cocktails, corporate functions, etc.

The 3 Banquet Halls with a combined capacity of over 2,000 persons and 36,000 different shades of fully animated lighting systems to match any theme/colour, is unmatched. The  Windsor Ballroom (500 persons),  Crown Court (500 persons), and Grand Ballroom (1200 persons) which is one of the largest pillar-less halls in Sri Lanka, are guaranteed to cater to the most exacting of wedding/conference organisers.

The hotel’s fitness centre, sauna and spa are state of the art, while an infinity swimming pool is set on the 2nd floor with a picturesque view where the guest can relax and bask in the tropical sun.

All rooms are tastefully designed and include flat screen TVs with IPTV facility, while all categories of suites have Jacuzzis, rain showers, and panoramic views. The Presidential and Crown suites both have their private elevators and are so luxurious as to benefit royalty!

The day’s proceedings concluded with ‘Sthuthi Sri Lanka’, a dazzling performance by Umaria, Bathiya and Santhush and the Channa Dance troupe and a memorable culinary extravaganza. The Golden Crown, living upto its name, promises a memorable experience, while its banqueting facilities are guaranteed to raise the bar vis a vis conferences and weddings. The Golden Crown Board of Directors: Chairman Sriyananda Wijekoon, Managing Director Chanuka Wijekoon, Director Chamali Wijekoon, Director Finance and Administration Hansani Wijekoon.