Shinegawa J. Capital to invest in Sri Lankan hotel properties

The President and CEO of Teoria Investment Co. Ltd, Shigenori Shinegawa, recently announced the formation of Shinegawa J. Capital (Pvt) Ltd, a company which seeks to invest in Sri Lanka, especially in the development of hotel properties. Teoria Investment Co. Ltd, recently tied up with the Asia Capital Group to invest in their hotel property in Balapitiya.

The J in the name has a twofold meaning, one being Japan and the other for, J. R. Jayewardene, someone whom Shinagawa has the utmost respect for after then President Jayewardene made his famous speech at the signing of the peace treaty with Japan in San Francisco at the conclusion of the second World War.

"President J. R. Jayewardene made a very inspirational speech saying 'Hatred ceases not by hatred, but by love' in Japan's defense after the conclusion of World War II. However most of Japan had forgotten his support which came at a time when we most needed it. I hope that the launch of this company would act as a bridge between our two nations and we could contribute to the development of Sri Lanka and its wonderful people. Also I want to remind the people of Japan and Sri Lanka about Jayewardene's support for Japan. We hope to employ several talented Sri Lankans in our company and co-operate together while also bringing in Japanese money, culture and tourists to Sri Lanka," Shinegawa said.

The new company will initially focus on investments into hotel properties, but will look to expand its services to other areas as well in the near future. The hotels, under the brand name Shinegawa J, will be constructed through a joint venture with the Asia Capital Group.

The main goals for the company will be to make a contribution to Sri Lanka and to be a preferred employer of choice. Speaking about the proposed joint venture, Stefan Abeyesinhe, Director/ CEO of Asia Capital said, "We look forward to working closely with Shinegawa as we have a special relationship with them and we are fully confident that this partnership will be very fruitful for both parties."

Shinegawa asserts that he sees strong growth potential for Sri Lanka, especially in tourism and also notes that the cultures of Sri Lanka and Japan are very similar which makes working in Sri Lanka a pleasure. "I find the Sri Lankan people to be very kind and friendly and this is very motivating for me," he said.

Asia Capital PLC is the largest investment bank in Sri Lanka to be listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange and its initials ACAP have become synonymous with its innovative trading ideas, out of the box concepts of investment management, and unique approaches to wealth creation.