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Mariott hotel not mine: MR

14 May 2015 11:20 am - 58     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa today denied reports that the Ceylon Steel Corporation and the Mariott hotel in Dubai were his property, which were ‘paper owned’ by a frontman.

Mr. Rajapaksa in a statement said the FCID had filed a B-Report informing the Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court that they have commenced investigations into a complaint that a sum of USD 48 million was invested in the Steel Corporation and another USD 190 million was invested in the Dubai Mariott hotel which purportedly belongs to Rajapaksa.

“The FCID which functions as an extension of the UNP may have filed this B-report to convey to the public the false impression that there is a ‘court case’ relating to concealed assets owned by me. It will be useful for my opponents to spread such a perception among the public with a general election in the offing. This is yet another clever and insidious way of carrying out false propaganda against me,” he said

According to Mr. Rajapaksa, the B-report had stated that the FCID had commenced this investigation on the basis of an anonymous letter and that it was very unusual for the police to report to courts that they are carrying out an investigation on the basis of such a letter.

“The FCID has been set up with a view to harassing political opponents and the legality and propriety of the establishment of this unit is already before the Supreme Court.I wish to inform the public that the Steel Corporation and the Dubai Mariott hotel belong to whoever owns them and not by me,” said, Mr. Rajapaksa. (LSP)
 




Marriott Al Jaddaf Hotel in Dubai is the very first five star property built and owned by a single Sri Lankan living outside Sri Lanka.

The Dubai Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf is the first Middle East and African property to open as per the new brand transformation that the ‘Marriott’ brand has been going through globally since last year.


This includes not only a new logo which keeps the iconic ‘M’, while modernizing its overall appeal, but also an ongoing innovation throughout its hotels around the world, with re-designed lobbies and public spaces known as ‘Greatrooms’ and introducing a mobile check-in application, all of which are rapidly being deployed for the next generation of travellers who blend work and play, demand style and substance, and require technology, and feature in the new Dubai Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf.

Marriott Hotels has also launched a multi-year campaign called Travel Brilliantly’ (www.travelbrilliantly.com); all done in a bold move to amplify the brand’s dedication to the future of travel.

Built according to the international standards of the managing partner of the property, Marriott USA is one of the largest Hotel Chains in the world, by Sri Lankan entrepreneur Nandana Lokuwithana, the Chairman ONYX Group of UAE.

Mr. Lokuwithana who operates diversified businesses in Dubai and Sri Lanka has invested US$ 225 million (approximately Rs. 2.9 billion) for the Marriott Al Jaddaf Hotel project. He is also the current owner of ‘Oruwala Ceylon Steel Corporation Limited’ and the ‘Ceylon Heavy Industries and Construction Co Ltd.’ in Sri Lanka.

Marriott Al Jaddaf Hotel will be officially opened on September 15 in Dubai. The soft opening of the hotel was held last January.

The Dubai Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf has 352 rooms across eight floors with 192 Deluxe King and 107 Deluxe Double rooms, including 39 Executive Suites, two Zabeel Suites and an exceptional luxury Presidential Suite. Each space is designed for functionality and leisure with state-of-the-art technology, wired and wireless Internet and spacious amenities.

The hotel also offers 14 elegant,meeting rooms as well as the magnificent Zabeel ballroom, which can accommodate up to a maximum of 540 persons.

The property boasts seven distinct restaurants, lounges and bars. Offering cuisines from around the world including Asian, European, Middle Eastern and a new American/Scottish concept, the hotel caters to the most discerning connoisseur and to guests looking for a relaxed meal.

Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Al Jaddaf is the brand’s sixth property in the region; with a further six set to open across the Middle East and Africa by 2017. Introduced in 1997 to the Marriott International portfolio, Marriott Executive Apartments is the company’s only corporate apartment brand designed to provide upscale residential living.

Personalized service and the assurance of a Marriott experience allow guests to  achieve what they need to in an environment that has all the comforts of home. Marriott Executive Apartments Dubai Al Jaddaf has 128 fully furnished apartments including one, two and three bedrooms providing the space, ambience and privacy of a home away from home.

Assistant General Manager of Marriott Al Jaddaf Hotel, Wael Farouk said that since the soft opening in January the hotel has been maintaining over 55% average occupancy for over 90% for the apartments.

‘Our advance bookings indicate that we would do an average 90% for the first year’ he added.

Born and bred in Medawachchiya, a rural village in Anuradhapura Disrtict, Nandana Lokuwithana is a down to earth gentleman with a true Sri Lankan touch in his entire business. ‘Marriott Al Jaddaf Hotel has employed more than 10 % Sri Lankan expacts out of its 550 total employees. Most of them are top level management positions.

Lokuwithana said that this was his first leisure sector investment and he wanted a strong partner in this type of business and this was the main reason he selected Marriott.



‘Marriott is a strong brand and they even continued on during the Middle Eastern economic crises’ He said that he was confident with the influx of tourists to Dubai and with the promotions of the country and destination; he could recover the return on investment in less than nine years.


Marriott Hotel is now offering special discounted packages for Sri Lankan travellers, who are keen on going to Dubai for leisure and for shopping.
Manager of Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, Khaled Al Jammal said that they are offering a bed and breakfast (double) package for less than US $ 190. ‘Since our hotel is five star this is a very attractive offer,’ he said.

‘In addition the hotel would also arrange a UAE tourist visa for Sri Lankans. We offer discounted packages for groups and families’ said Rajapaksha M. Piyadasa, the Director of Services of the Hotel. Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf Hotel also has many conference venues targeting the MICE market, corporate and private functions.


‘This, I am sure will attract Sri Lankan business communities too’ he said. Sales Manager, Mustafa Kattan stated that Marriott Hotel is a mere 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport, Dubai Mall and the Gold Souk. ‘We also have regular free shuttle services to these places,’ he added.

The hotel is the second building in the UAE after the Sri Lankan Embassy to carry the Sri Lankan National Flag.

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  Comments - 58

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  • Horri Jimonis Friday, 15 May 2015 04:58 PM

    Not only this, MR owns so many 5 star Hotels all over the world. True....True... True....

    Push Friday, 15 May 2015 06:23 AM

    If MR owns it withour having media shows authorities should be able to find facts from books. At least there should be a way to find how the earnings of those businesses over the last years were channelled. Where the moneys got deposited.

    Hamlet Friday, 15 May 2015 07:13 AM

    A True Patriot would have invested His money in Sri Lanka.

    thilina Friday, 15 May 2015 08:23 AM

    dont bring mohomad into this place..he cant doing anything!! Can he save Rizana...poor girl...then how to act against rich rajapaksha

    Nihal Amarasekera Friday, 15 May 2015 09:45 AM

    Old adage “no smoke without fire” comes to mind. Case of smoking gun also comes into mind.

    Samantha Perera Friday, 15 May 2015 10:00 AM

    This is not mud slinging but pure harassment. Which police in the world waste resources on investigation on an anonymous letter!

    Joachim Friday, 15 May 2015 10:01 AM

    Those who support these açts should remember that Empire can Strike back. And that will be deadly and telling and an unforgettable lesson to those who create these Mischievous acts.

    Domiya Friday, 15 May 2015 10:29 AM

    Apoy daya. Batalanda is probably the one incident if any that could pin down RW. But MR like the money he has swindled probably has millions of such incidents.

    H.D.Gunaratne Friday, 15 May 2015 10:34 AM

    A politician should not be indicted on hearsay evidence or gossip. i am not saying that MR should not be punished if he had committed any wrong.First have concrete evidence and then take to courts without making judiciary a mockery

    M.N.M Anis Friday, 15 May 2015 10:35 AM

    Our country is not reaching its full potential , due to people who have no ethics when in comes to respecting religion . to you mr WTR , Be intellectual not delusional .

    Domiya Friday, 15 May 2015 10:36 AM

    And we have a winner. Jehan is the first to claim his prize for all time fool as stated by miyuru

    upali Friday, 15 May 2015 03:27 PM

    Definitely the next Prime minster.

    Desmond Jeromme Friday, 15 May 2015 04:49 PM

    Can be by name its not yours, you have somany businesses on others (your relations) name, hence this is also like that.

    Bubble Banda Friday, 15 May 2015 04:54 PM

    MR ,Marriott hotel Dubai is yours.This was told by my brother-in-law who is working there.

    Desmond Jeromme Friday, 15 May 2015 04:57 PM

    For a village man to have such wealth, Hon. Mahinda you are so great.

    Anton Friday, 15 May 2015 06:18 AM

    Give the money back to people of SRILANKA.

    Maya Friday, 15 May 2015 06:16 PM

    This guy Nadana would soon in hot water explaining the Dubai authorities, on the request SL Govt and Uncle Sam, how he raise such a massive capital while being a chairman of a state corporation in SL. Anti-money laundering will not be an issue as money could have gone out via legal way, thanks to Gaberial.

    Robin Friday, 15 May 2015 07:49 PM

    Horaghe boru

    Fernando Friday, 15 May 2015 07:52 PM

    Jehan there are donkeys still live around the world.

    Fairness Friday, 15 May 2015 08:06 PM

    Thank you for subsequent clarification. Whatever canard is created against MR, it is not right to belittle the achievement of Nandana Lokuwithana. He was NOT a quality supervisor at a tea factory in Dubai. The story that you have now included lists his amazing hard won path.

    Boonda Friday, 15 May 2015 08:25 PM

    Correct, it not your but ours. It is our money!

    TONY Friday, 15 May 2015 08:49 PM

    WILL THOSE RELATIONS PLAY HIM OUT OR IS THERE ANOTHER AGREEMENT TO TIE THEM UP

    Maya Friday, 15 May 2015 08:52 PM

    No,no, he is right. It is ours. Appe Sally!

    Ajith Saturday, 16 May 2015 01:27 AM

    MR, you are insane, you say you love your country and the people, your actions show just the opposite, you are stabbing them on their back !

    Anton Saturday, 16 May 2015 04:53 AM

    Financial crime division created by the president of SRILANKA to find out who misuse the PUBLIC FUNDS.IF you are not done anything wrong ,why are you UPSET?DEAR MR.let them do their job.IF you are wrong you can go to jail easily. BECAUSE you put our general SF in jail for no reason .GOES around COMES around.FOR the time been you need a rest until you go there.

    milindha morahela Saturday, 16 May 2015 05:43 AM

    Jayawewa ape Game kollata.May he own many more hotels.As a sri lankan I am proud of him

    REALPATRIAT Saturday, 16 May 2015 06:59 AM

    THEN PLEASE TELL THE PEOPLE THE AM ES OF THE HOTELS OWNED BY YOU AND THEIR WHERE ABOUT. via DM Android App

    Ravi Saturday, 16 May 2015 09:41 AM

    We know that marriot is own by you but that property has been taken over from ceylionco gruop by and your brother

    S.Abeyweera gunawardena Saturday, 16 May 2015 09:57 AM

    I think we are wasting too much time on this matter, a little unpleasant too as mud slinging too goes on. I am sure there are professionals who could clear this for us, should`nt we wait until then? The truth if revealed would set a good example for our society and a better Sri Lanka at the end.May God save our country.

    Arunika Thursday, 14 May 2015 06:15 PM

    We see the stupidity of Gawapalana supporters with their comments like these.

    ziyard Thursday, 14 May 2015 05:08 PM

    Mr.mahinda, you say NO but the whole world knows who the owners are,with the new found freedom in the judiciary you will exploit the judges to obtain injunctions,you should have been jailed in helping hambantota case but thanks to infamous sarath silva you got a reprieve.we sri lankans are foolish and you would exploit every loop hole,you may escape aluthkade justice but remember you cant escape god.

    Sri Lankan Thursday, 14 May 2015 05:12 PM

    Tell the country what you own......Tell the country that you do not have a cent in your bank account after ruling the country for 10 years.... End of story and End of Drama..

    mohandev Thursday, 14 May 2015 05:14 PM

    This another proof to establish the fact that FCID is local gestapo contorlled by UNP mafia to eliminate its political oponnents, when the smart cops dont have the balls to arrest a kallathoni acting as the governor of central bank

    Ryan Thursday, 14 May 2015 05:15 PM

    We will send so many letters of like about gawapalana guys like Ranil and My3

    Modaya Thursday, 14 May 2015 05:16 PM

    MR please give your loot to the people

    sobers Thursday, 14 May 2015 05:17 PM

    catch me if you can!

    Siribiris Thursday, 14 May 2015 05:17 PM

    Obviously, it is not in your name..

    Maha Raja Thursday, 14 May 2015 05:19 PM

    Then, check that how so called Nanadana Lokuwithana earned such a huge wealth, while being working as a Quality Supervisor in a Garment factory in Dubai for 10 years.

    Sarath se Alwis Thursday, 14 May 2015 05:29 PM

    WE LIVE IN DUBAI AND WE KNOW IT BELONGS TO YOU.

    sederis Thursday, 14 May 2015 05:46 PM

    Yeah definitely can not escape from Allah

    saman Thursday, 14 May 2015 05:47 PM

    It is little suspicious that why he sent his son to Dubai as soon as he lost the elections.

    Daya Thursday, 14 May 2015 05:53 PM

    like what? he could have easily got Ranil over batalanda.

    frog Thursday, 14 May 2015 05:55 PM

    do you know how Rockefeller started frog in well?

    wtr Thursday, 14 May 2015 06:03 PM

    Allah is too slow. Bribery commision is better.

    Sipip Thursday, 14 May 2015 05:06 PM

    This guy is complaining about mudslinging. What about all the mudslinging at Maithripala,ranil and SF during his rule

    Arunika Thursday, 14 May 2015 06:16 PM

    We see the ignorance of Gawapalana supporters with their comments like these

    Leda Thursday, 14 May 2015 06:57 PM

    Not Marriott but may Dubai tallest hotel.

    miyuru Thursday, 14 May 2015 07:12 PM

    You can fool all the people for sometime and some people for all the time. But you cannot fool all the people for all the time.

    tonu Thursday, 14 May 2015 07:42 PM

    No he should declare all his assets honestly even under another name

    Ranbanda Thursday, 14 May 2015 07:59 PM

    Yeah, agreed. US190m is an insult. Only in billions

    Velu Thursday, 14 May 2015 08:37 PM

    MR. Do you know the meaning of KARMA?

    Jehan Thursday, 14 May 2015 09:01 PM

    you mean about the gawapalanaya fraud right?

    Sincere Thursday, 14 May 2015 09:29 PM

    "Not mine, but somebody of mine" How appropriate is that statement?

    Desmond Thursday, 14 May 2015 10:37 PM

    This is an interesting story !!!!

    Upali Dissanayake Thursday, 14 May 2015 10:46 PM

    Rajakam kalath, Kalakam Paladei.

    ranmala Thursday, 14 May 2015 11:07 PM

    Well Said. If you are clean put out your assets

    M.O.A.Careem Friday, 15 May 2015 06:11 AM

    where did all these massive road commission go?

    Sikuru7 Friday, 15 May 2015 06:14 AM

    Regardless it gets rid of the old regimes Baiyas


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