Sheraton Colombo reiterates commitment to Sri Lanka

Sheraton Colombo, together with local promoter Lanka Hotels and Residencies Ltd., has reiterated its commitment to Sri Lanka despite the unprecedented global and local impact following the outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

In a statement Lanka Hotels and Residencies Ltd. Chairman Don Gamini Gunaratne reassured partners, employees, prospective professionals and all other key stakeholders on the continuity and steadfast commitment for the opening of the flagship project in Sri Lanka – Sheraton Colombo Hotel, a 320-room property at Galle Road.

“We are living through one of the most unprecedented and challenging times in modern human history, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has transcended global boundaries and geographies. The impact has not only been felt in Sri Lanka, but has echoed globally, demonstrating to all of us that it is a crisis much bigger than one industry or one country,” he said.

“Although our plans were to soft launch this property from June 2020 onwards, we have been compelled to pause these plans as a direct response to the emergency prevalent across the country and globally. We are vigilantly monitoring the situation and have taken all proactive precautions to ensure the health and safety of all parties involved is of paramount importance,” Gunaratne added.

He said Sheraton Colombo would be ready to resume our operational activities once the Government of Sri Lanka provided clearance to the hospitality industry. 

“We fully stand by the Government of Sri Lanka to take their vision forward for the country, contributing to the revival of the vibrant travel and tourism industry in Sri Lanka. We look forward to engaging with necessary industry bodies under the guidance given by the Government to discuss and strategize on re-energising the Sri Lankan economy. We have absolute faith we shall overcome this challenge and come out stronger together in the true Sri Lankan spirit,” the Lanka Hotels and Residencies Ltd. Chairman said.

It was pointed out that the well-being of employees continues to remain a huge priority and Gunaratne expressed appreciation and admiration to the Government on its decisive leadership and robust actions taken to bring this situation under control.

“While our thoughts are with those affected by the disease, we would like take this opportunity to appreciate all the efforts undertaken by the Sri Lankan Government, the healthcare workers, the armed forces and the police force who are tirelessly working in order to contain the spread of this virus,” the statement by Lanka Hotels and Residencies added.