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| Tuesday, 13 January 2004 |
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Rs. 400 million four-star hotel project in Jaffna by Shirajiv Sirimane Sanasuma Development (Pvt), the management company of Elephant Corridor resort Sigiriya will invest Rs. 400 million to construct a four-star hotel project in Jaffna. The land for the Jaffna 40-room hotel project has been already identified in the City limits and construction work would commence early March. "We are hoping to have the opening next April," said the Chairman of Sanasuma Development, Prasanna W. Jayawadane. He said that many people had been talking about investing in Jaffna but this would be the first major project to get off the ground. This investment would be an eye opener for many more investments to follow, as it would increase investor confidence. He said that though many people have been making excuses to invest in Jaffna the management did not face any problems. "Even the LTTE has fully endorsed the project." A Sri Lankan investor abroad and Sanasuma investors will invest in this project. It is virtually impossible to obtain a bank loan for a development project in Jaffna and it is high time that the government set up a North East Development Bank he said. There are many Sri Lankans overseas who visit Jaffna and return the same day due to lack of quality accommodation. In addition there are many NGO staff and aid workers visiting Jaffna and we hope to tap this market. A hotelier with 35 years in the trade, he said that with regular flights to Jaffna there is a great tourist potential in the area. "Many travel agents have said that they could promote Jaffna since there are many attractions such as unspoilt environment, war monuments and places of cultural and religious interest." There are more than two million people visiting Vietnam and many visit the area for its war background." The Jaffna peninsula city hotel will provide direct employment to over 100 and indirectly to over 500. The former manager of Mount Lavinia Hotel said that Sri Lanka is gradually turning into an upmarket destination and this is good for the country. "We are now able to increase prices and this should be so since Sri Lanka has a very good product." China is a sleeping giant and with the open sky policy there would more arrivals from India. All governments have helped to develop tourism and the industry had been growing at a rapid pace. He said that there should be another international airport out of Colombo and the seaplane project should go ahead. According to Executive Director Sanasuma Development, Susanne Filippin, they also hope to invest on three other properties in Matale, Yala and Wilpattu. "All three would be for top end properties." She said that they have been constructing their properties in keeping with all environment laws and their properties are fenceless so that any one can pass through. The rooms will be with individual Jacuzzis or swimming pools, piano, fireplace, and each project would be a Rs. 400 million venture. "We are hoping to tie up with Sri Lankans abroad to invest on these three properties." |
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