By: Staff Writer
July 20, Colombo (LNW): A landmark Japanese-funded transit hotel project at Bandaranaike International Airport is taking shape, promising to boost Sri Lanka’s position as a regional air travel hub. The USD 30 million Colombo International Airport Hotel, a 153-room four-star facility, is spearheaded by Dr. Ruwan Perera in collaboration with Japanese investor group “Little Japan.”
The hotel is set to open by the end of 2025 and will be Sri Lanka’s first purpose-built transit hotel, aligning with international hospitality standards. Positioned within the airport premises, it aims to offer high-end accommodation and services to transit passengers, enhancing travel convenience while promoting economic and cultural links between Japan and Sri Lanka.
Japanese Ambassador Akio Isomata, who recently toured the construction site, underscored the project’s importance as more than just a hospitality initiative. He described it as a symbolic bridge strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations. “This hotel represents our shared vision for mutual growth through tourism, business, and cultural exchange,” he stated.
Dr. Perera, a Sri Lankan academic and former Sony executive with global patents and multiple accolades, plays a key role in driving Japanese-Sri Lankan collaboration. Having studied in Japan and the United States, Perera brings international experience and national commitment to the venture. His initiative, Little Japan, has so far channelled over USD 40 million in Japanese investment into Sri Lanka, focusing on both infrastructure and community development.
The airport hotel project stands out as his flagship effort, reflecting his broader vision of integrating Japanese standards of quality and hospitality into Sri Lankan tourism. “This hotel is designed to uplift our hospitality sector and support the transformation of Colombo International Airport into a regional hub,” Perera said during the ambassador’s visit.
The Japanese investor delegation expressed strong support for the venture, noting its alignment with Japan’s long-standing focus on sustainable infrastructure and international engagement in Sri Lanka. The hotel is expected to be a key driver for tourism development, attracting more travellers to use Colombo as a transit point while also showcasing Japanese architectural design and service excellence.
As construction progresses, the project is increasingly seen as a milestone in bilateral cooperation—setting a precedent for future Japanese investments and reinforcing Japan’s role in Sri Lanka’s economic resurgence. With its opening slated for late 2025, the Colombo International Airport Hotel is poised to become a defining feature of the country’s travel and tourism landscape, and a lasting symbol of Sri Lanka–Japan friendship.
