Indian High Commissioner visits ITC One Colombo

Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Bagley, Counsellor Economic and Commercial Dr. Rakesh Pandey, ITC Ltd India Executive Director and WelcomHotels Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd Chairman Nakul Anand, WelcomHotels Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd Managing Director Subi K. George and team’s other senior members during visit to ITC One Colombo development

The US $ 400 million+ ITC One Colombo project recently welcomed High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay at ITC’s iconic project at the Galle Face known as ITC One Colombo. 

Baglay was apprised of the progress of the development by the project team in the presence of ITC Ltd Executive Director and WelcomHotels Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd Chairman Nakul Anand and ITC Hotel Business Divisional Chief Executive Anil Chadha.

This landmark project is being developed by WelcomHotels Lanka (Private) Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ITC Limited, one of India’s foremost private sector companies with interests in fast moving consumer goods, hotels, paperboards and packaging, agri business and information technology. 

The development comprises the majestic 50-storey Sapphire Residences tower and the adjacent 30-storey five-star ITC Hotel connected by the spectacular Ahasa One Sky Bridge on the 19th to 21st levels. It blends contemporary architecture, sustainability-centric design, cutting-edge technology and meticulous craftsmanship, to create a truly iconic development.

During the visit, Baglay was introduced to various facets of the development, including some of its most innovative features, several of which are firsts in Sri Lanka such as the Ahasa OneSky Bridge, roof top Helipad and energy-efficient and superior design features in the state-of-the-art development. The project is on course for completion by third quarter of 2023. 
“Despite well-known challenges, I am pleased to see the impressive progress that has been achieved so far. The attention to detail and the use of latest technology is evident even at this stage. It is easy to envisage that this project will soon turn into an iconic landmark that sets new standards in this sector in Sri Lanka,” commented Baglay. 

He added, “India is keen to encourage investment-based growth in Sri Lanka that is sustainable and mutually beneficial in the long run. This project is another instance of the faith and conviction shown by Indian investors in the strength and resilience of Sri Lankan economy.”

ITC Hotels is globally renowned for pioneering the concept of ‘Responsible Luxury’ in all its super-premium luxury hotels, which are LEED Platinum rated, thereby making it the greenest luxury hotel chain in the world. 

WelcomHotels Lanka Managing Director Subi George observed, “Although Sri Lanka has faced numerous challenges in recent times, we have remained totally committed to our investment. Indeed, my team and I are proud of the remarkable progress with the project and on behalf of the company, I would like to convey my appreciation to the Indian High Commissioner and his team for visiting us today. In addition, I would like to thank the Sri Lankan authorities, who have given us a lot of support through these challenging times, helping us to keep the project moving forward. I look forward to their continued support as we all work tirelessly to complete the project.”