Banyan Tree to increase investments in Lanka

by Shirajiv Sirimane in Singapore

Banyan Tree Holdings, which operates luxury spas and resorts in Asia including Sri Lanka, is looking out for more investments in the tsunami affected Sri Lanka and Thailand.

Chairman of the Holdings, Ho Kwon-Ping said that they are scouting for acquisitions in tsunami-hit regions of Thailand and Sri Lanka to expand their business. They already own and operate Swanee, Bentota and manage Deer Park, Polonnaruwa, a five star property while operating a spa in Colombo Plaza.

"We are looking at acquiring hotels and tourist properties which were damaged in tsunami where the owners have no means of re-constructing them and starting business again," he said.

"We are accelerating our investments because we know the recovery will come back, and we are looking at acquisitions where owners want to give up their properties," he said at a press conference in Singapore recently.

The acquisitions would help Singapore-based Banyan Tree, which operates spas from Shanghai to expand their network.

"It's a good time to invest because hopefully, everything will be back to normal this high season," he added. Banyan Tree already runs resorts in tsunami-hit areas including Phuket, the Maldives and Sri Lanka, and is expanding outside Asia in countries such as Morocco and Mexico.

Banyan Tree, has also boosted investment in Sri Lanka amid optimism the island's tourism market would continue to expand following the ceasefire in the country.

The Sri Lanka Tourist Board claims the country's bounce-back from the tsunami is powering ahead with occupancy levels in both city and regional hotels rising. In the capital, Colombo, occupancy at the star class hotels was claimed to be between 70 and 80 per cent - in line with occupancy levels at the same time last year.

Russian couple says 'I do' in Lankan style

Richmond Wijesekera, Bentota group correspondent

A Russian couple got married at the Hotel Bentota Beach, recently according to Sinhala customs and traditions.

The Russian nationals (Lithuania) Sarunas Paskochmas (38) a businessman got married to Thichuniya Lina (22) a University student in Lithuania University. Managing Director Suranga Kalayatanaya, Tunduwa, Bentota Pathmasiri Weerasinghe conducted the 'Poruwa' ceremony.

After the wedding ceremony which was attended by the General Manager, Bentota Beach Hotel, A. Kulatunga, Guest Relations Manager, Saranath Gunawardena, Guest Relations Officer Miss. Jenish Nishanthanie and holiday makers and locals, the couple came to Bentota Beach Hotel for honeymoon on elephant back.

The couple said they selected Sri Lanka for their wedding as they felt Sri Lanka was the most beautiful country in this part of the world.

They said they would never forget Sri Lanka, the friendly people and the scenic beauty. They have decided to visit the island again.