ITC Ratnadipa hotel– symbol of Colombo
President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Thursday identified the first ITC Hotel as the symbol of Colombo and its tourism that will help bring in more travellers and investors to Sri Lanka.
He noted that “having this background is enormous” which represents the Sri Lankan hotel industry that will become the symbol of Colombo and Colombo’s tourism.
The President hoped that this icon will help to increase tourism particularly from India and encourage more hotels and many other companies from other parts of the world to invest in Sri Lanka.
The President was the chief guest at the opening of ITC Ratnadipa while Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and ITC Ltd., Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Puri also participated at the event alongside business leaders, tourism industry leaders and politicians.
The 352 room hotel that comprises guest rooms, suites and apartments is the first such investment outside of India totaling US$500 million that stands out with a connecting bridge
between the two towers which is a first of its kind, state of the art “Ahasa” sky bridge considered an architectural marvel.
ITC Ratnadipa Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Puri said that this flagship hotel will create extraordinary luxury hospitality experiences for discerning business
and leisure travelers.
He hoped that this will add another pillar to the vibrant tourism landscape of Colombo, as they go about promoting this hotel in their road shows, and which will not only promote the hotel but also the destination.
ITC Ratnadipa is one of the largest investments made by the Indian hospitality giant and by an Indian company in Sri Lanka to-date. The hotel aims to attract MICE and inbound tourism in Sri Lanka
The hotel has the work of Sri Lankan art maestros including that of Sanjaya Seneviratne, Prasad Hettiarachchi to Laki Senanayake, Dominic Sansoni and many more that adorns the public areas of the hotel.
The hotel overlooks the Indian Ocean and is considered an engineering masterpiece that offers 360-degree panoramic views.
The property also offers best-inclass luxury residences by introducing the concept of Sky Mansions with the Sapphire Residences.
The hotel is also designed by endorsing a climate smart approach with enhanced focus on energy and water efficiency, sustainable site development, the use of eco-friendly materials.
The ITC Ratnadipa joins as the 16th Luxury Collection Hotel in the ITC Hotels portfolio which is one of Marriott International’s leading global brands that is a part of the Marriott Bonvoy.