Hettigoda Group invests Rs. 1.4 b on a mixed development project

• 98-room Hettigoda City ready for operations by August next year
• Primarily targets medical tourists

By Charumini de Silva

Hettigoda Group is going ahead with an investment of Rs. 1.4 billion to construct a mixed development project that consists of a city hotel and a commercial space in Mount Lavinia.

Hettigoda Group Managing Director Asoka Hettigoda told the Daily FT that the 98-room ‘Hettigoda City’ would be constructed on a 100-perch land,primarily targeting medical tourists.

“The construction work has commenced already and the project will be ready for operations by August next year. It is a Board of Investment (BOI) approved project and all equity funds for this venture are from the Hettigoda Group,” he explained.

Highlighting on the economic benefits of medical tourism he asserted that Ayurvedic medicaments could play a significant role in attracting foreign exchange by promoting medical tourism in Sri Lanka. 

He said they were planning to use part their new facility in Mount Lavinia for accommodation for patients who come to obtain treatment from the existing Siddhalepa Hospital in Mount Lavinia. 

“The tourists will only be brought to hospital for major treatments. This new hotel is a part of our medical tourism expansion programand we look forward to receive many tourists from our key market Europe. Hettigoda Group has always been committed to accomplish this objective, thereby creating a destination-specific experience for tourists who are visiting Sri Lanka,” he added.

However, he pointed out that not limiting themselves to medical tourists, the Group is also bullish about attracting city travellers to their new hotel.

Although the construction cost of the project is Rs. 1.4 billion, the total investment of the project would be over Rs. 2 billion considering the land value and access to the hotel, he noted.

With the completion of the city hotel in Mount Lavinia, the company’s portfolio will encompass two hotels, increasing its capacity to 148 rooms.

This 10-storey structure is designed with a 10,000 sqft shopping complex covering the first two storeys. The Group is optimistic that the commercial space would be well represented with leading retails brands catering to the masses.