Saturday Jan 11, 2025
Saturday Jan 11, 2025
Saturday, 11 January 2025 00:53 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
From left: Sri Lanka Export Development Board Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, China Embassy Counselor Tang Yandi, CHEC Port City Colombo Managing Director Xiong Hongfeng, Browns Investments Director Kamantha Amaresekera, Colombo Port City Economic Commission Chairman Harsha Amaresekera PC, Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, Chief Guest Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Brown and Company Chairman and LOLCs Holdings Deputy Chairman Ishara Nanayakkara, LOLC Holdings Group Managing Director/CEO Kapila Jayawardena and China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Managing Director Wang Gang at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Marina Development at Port City Colombo yesterday 
Marina Development at Port City Colombo official construction machining launched by (from left) Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath and Tourism Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe – Pix by Ruwan Walpola
The ground breaking ceremony for $ 120 million Marina development at the Colombo Port City took place yesterday ceremoniously with the Government identifying it as a landmark initiative that embodies Sri Lanka’s ambition, innovation and commitment to global excellence.
The 3.1 hectare state-of-the-art luxury Marina development is by LOLC Holdings Group’s Browns Investments PLC in partnership with China Harbour Engineering Corporation/ CHEC Port City Colombo Ltd.
The Marina will be a key attraction of the Colombo Port City, the $ 1.4 billion FDI project by CHEC offering an unparalleled blend of investment options, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle - all anchored by a deep commitment to sustainability.
Chief Guest Tourism and Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath said the Marina “represents a transformative leap for Sri Lanka.”
He said with its 250 vessel capacity, the Marina is positioned as the only full-service marina between Dubai and Phuket. The modern mixed-use spaces, entertainment facilities and luxurious dining options will capture the imagination of visitors and enhance visitor experience. “The Marina will redefine marine tourism across Asia. Colombo will clearly be on the map for luxury yachts navigating between the Red Sea, the Maldives, and the Far East,” Herath added.
He congratulated Browns Investments PLC and CHECH for the $ 120 million investment. “You belong to a group of pioneering investors who have placed strong confidence and trust in a country which is reinvigorating its journey in becoming a centre for multi sectoral investment. I commend the Colombo Port City Economic Commission for its pivotal role in streamlining investments and creating a business-friendly environment,” Minister Herath told the ground breaking ceremony attended by Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, several Ministers, Colombo Port City Commission Chairman Harsha Amarasekera and members, Heads of Board of Investment and Sri Lanka Export Development Board, LOLC Holdings Chairman Ishara Nanayakkara and Group Managing Director Kapila Jayawardena among others.
Herath stressed that the Marina was not just about infrastructure but it was about creating and enhancing destinations – a hub that connects people, cultures, and economies. This development will also cater to the rapidly growing market of high-net-worth travellers in the region as well as catering to a range of tourist categories. Furthermore, the Marina with its high-end facilities enhances Sri Lanka’s multifaceted destination as a premier destination for luxury and MICE tourism and will create a seamless blend of leisure and business, attracting global tourists and investors alike.”
“Beyond its immediate economic impact, this project aligns with our broader tourism goals. It also underscores our dedication to job creation, skill development, and sustainable growth, offering opportunities for local talent in hospitality, tourism, and related sectors. For 2025, we envisage 3 million visitors which would generate $ 5 billion In revenue – a goal which is critical to our economic recovery,” Herath said.
He also said the Port City Colombo envisions Sri Lanka’s future trajectory bringing the unique location in the Indian Ocean to the forefront. “It encapsulates what our island nation has been for centuries, a meeting point between the East and West, an economic and trading hub and places where cultures and people converge. It blends tradition with modernity of our island Nation and places it within the warm and welcoming spirit of our people.”
“This project is consistent with the Government’s policy, which focuses on sustainable development, inclusive growth, and creating opportunities for all Sri Lankans. Guided by our political mandate to ensure inclusivity, prosperity and equity, we are dedicated to fostering projects that uplift the nation and its people,” Minister Herath said
He also said as envisioned by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, for a comprehensive socioeconomic transformation, the Government will work to ensure that Sri Lanka emerges as a “thriving nation”, and secure a “beautiful life” for its people.
“Together, we will transform Port City Colombo into a global hub of innovation, luxury, and economic opportunity. The luxury Marina development is more than a project. It is a statement to the world that Sri Lanka is open, ready, and is taking its rightful place in the global stage,” the Foreign and Tourism Minister emphasised.
