By: Staff Writer

December 03, Colombo (LNW): ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading force in Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry, has launched its latest venture, Amari Colombo, marking a transformative moment for Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality landscape.

Situated in Colombo’s bustling economic and cultural hub, the new hotel combines contemporary elegance with authentic local charm, promising a premium experience for business and leisure travelers alike.

This opening is a milestone in ONYX’s mission to be Southeast Asia’s foremost medium-sized hospitality management company. It underscores their commitment to setting new benchmarks in service and design while contributing to Colombo’s evolution into a global hospitality destination.

A Partnership for Excellence

The creation of Amari Colombo is the result of a successful collaboration between ONYX Hospitality Group and Winil Holdings Ltd. This partnership exemplifies a shared vision to elevate hospitality standards in Sri Lanka, aligning with the island’s rich tourism potential.

Sri Lanka’s allure lies in its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, offering everything from ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites to lush rainforests and pristine beaches. With improved global connectivity, the island has become increasingly popular for tranquil retreats and immersive cultural experiences.

The Amari Colombo Experience

Amari Colombo is designed to celebrate Sri Lanka’s heritage while embracing modern sophistication. The hotel features 167 spacious rooms that merge contemporary comfort with traditional Sri Lankan aesthetics.

 Its central location allows easy access to Colombo’s key business and leisure attractions, making it an ideal base for travelers seeking to explore the island’s vibrant culture and scenic landscapes.

Guests can indulge in curated cultural excursions, bespoke dining experiences, and luxurious accommodations.

The hotel’s culinary offerings are headlined by Ahāra, an all-day dining venue blending Thai, Sri Lankan, and Japanese flavors, emphasizing sustainability and innovation. Another highlight is Prego, ONYX’s acclaimed Italian restaurant, making its Sri Lanka debut after decades of success in Thailand.

A Strategic Expansion

Amari Colombo plays a pivotal role in ONYX’s strategic growth across Asia. The group currently manages 46 properties across its portfolio, including brands like OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence, with plans to expand to over 70 properties by 2028.

ONYX CEO Yuthachai Charanachitta expressed confidence in Amari Colombo’s potential to set a new standard for luxury hospitality in the region, blending Thai and Sri Lankan influences to offer a distinctive guest experience.

This opening strengthens ONYX’s foothold in South Asia while enriching Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector with world-class service, innovative dining, and thoughtfully curated cultural experiences. Amari Colombo stands as a testament to the group’s dedication to creating memorable stays for travelers worldwide.

By: Staff Writer

December 03, Colombo (LNW): The United States is actively collaborating with Sri Lanka to chart a roadmap for sustainable development in the port sector, underscoring its commitment to enhancing the country’s maritime industry.

 At the Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference, Dustin R. Bickel, the Regional Indo-Pacific Strategy Coordinator at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, highlighted the U.S.’s multifaceted support for Colombo Port through various initiatives.

The largest contribution to Sri Lanka’s port sector comes from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), with a $553 million investment in the West Container Terminal at Colombo Port. T

his project aims to bolster Sri Lanka’s position as a regional shipping hub while avoiding an increase in its sovereign debt.

Additionally, the U.S. Embassy is spearheading capacity-building programs for Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) staff. Training in cybersecurity, operational management, public-private partnerships, and human resources is part of efforts to strengthen port operations across the nation.

The U.S. Departments of State, Energy, and Defense are also involved in supporting economic growth and global supply chain resilience through the port sector.

Sustainability is a key focus area, with initiatives to reduce carbon emissions by adopting green technologies like electric tugboats, methanol-fueled cargo ships, and electric gantry cranes. “We are working with SLPA to integrate sustainable energy and electric mechanization into port operations,” Bickel said.

Jonathan Goldner of APM Terminals, a division of Maersk, expressed optimism about Colombo Port’s future, citing its potential as a key regional logistics hub. He emphasized the importance of aligning capacity expansion with sustainability goals to remain competitive amid global trends.

Despite the promising outlook, uncertainty surrounds DFC’s collaboration with India’s Adani Group, the primary stakeholder in the West Container Terminal. While Bickel did not comment on this, he reaffirmed the U.S.’ commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s maritime sector to foster prosperity, resilience, and security.

In another milestone, the U.S. Embassy supports a Maritime Advisory Program through the Colombo Plan, which enhances SLPA’s operational capabilities via training, knowledge sharing, and advisory visits.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between SLPA and the Virginia Ports Authority further strengthens technical collaboration, emphasizing long-term U.S.-Sri Lanka ties.

Regional cooperation also emerged as a critical theme. Dr. Malini Shankar, Vice Chancellor of the Indian Maritime University, stressed the need for South Asian collaboration to address modern challenges and leverage opportunities in green shipping, fisheries, and marine tourism.

 Bickel concluded by underscoring the importance of regional partnerships. He advocated for enhanced communication and knowledge-sharing among port authorities to promote best practices and mutual support.

With over $12 billion invested in maritime infrastructure, Sri Lanka’s strategic location and focus on the Blue Economy position it as a vital regional logistics partner, fostering shared economic growth in South Asia.

By: Staff Writer

December 03, Colombo (LNW): A delegation of 49 Sri Lankan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) made a remarkable impression at the 19th China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF), held from November 15 to 18 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Pazhou, Guangzhou.

The event was spearheaded by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in partnership with the Industrial Development Board (IDB) and with active support from the Sri Lankan Consulate General in Guangzhou.

The delegation showcased a diverse range of products, including food and beverages, gems and jewellery, coconut-based items, lifestyle goods, spices, and garments.

CISMEF 2024 served as a strategic platform for SMEs, enabling them to forge connections with international buyers and explore partnerships across mainland China and beyond. Marking Sri Lanka’s ninth consecutive year of participation, the event underscored the country’s dedication to expanding SME horizons through global exposure.

Key Gains from Participation:

Technology Advancements: Delegates observed cutting-edge production techniques and explored sourcing equipment to boost operational efficiency.

Innovative Product Development: Insights into market-driven improvements, packaging innovation, and quality standards offered valuable guidance for refining product offerings.

Export Preparedness: Entrepreneurs gained a deeper understanding of navigating export markets and leveraging opportunities cost-effectively.

The delegation achieved immediate results, securing US $100,000 in spot sales and confirmed export orders for cinnamon, coir products, and jewellery. Ongoing negotiations with international buyers hold promise for establishing enduring trade partnerships.

Entrepreneurs commended the EDB and IDB for organizing the event, describing it as a transformative experience. One participant shared: “The knowledge we gained on product standards and export strategies will drive significant growth in our business.”

Addressing Challenges

Despite the success, participants identified challenges, particularly around obtaining the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) certification, which is essential for completing confirmed orders and accessing broader Chinese markets. In response, the EDB committed to addressing these barriers in collaboration with Sri Lankan diplomatic missions in China.

The delegation’s achievements at CISMEF 2024 underscore Sri Lanka’s growing capability to compete globally, contributing to foreign exchange earnings and paving the way for sustainable SME growth internationally.

By: Staff Writer

December 03, Colombo (LNW): Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund, International Holding Company (IHC), which manages assets worth approximately US $100 billion globally, has reaffirmed its support for the Adani Group despite the recent US indictment of its chairman, Gautam Adani, and seven business associates.

The fund, which has invested $1.7 billion in the Ahmedabad-based ports-to-power conglomerate, expressed confidence in the group’s sustainability and green energy initiatives.

IHC stated, “Our partnership with the Adani Group reflects our confidence in their contributions to the green energy and sustainability sectors. As with all our investments, our team continues to evaluate relevant information and developments. At this time, our outlook on these investments remains unchanged.”

Amid the legal challenges, the Adani Group has received significant reassurances from international partners, particularly from Sri Lanka and Tanzania, where the conglomerate is involved in key port development projects.

In Sri Lanka, media reports have highlighted the commitment to the $1 billion container terminal project at the Colombo Port. Ports Authority Chairman Admiral Sirimewan Ranasinghe (Retd.) dismissed any discussions about cancelling the agreement with the Adani-led consortium.

Additionally, the legitimacy of the project is bolstered by a $535-million loan from the US International Development Finance Corporation, signaling strong international backing.

Sri Lanka’s strategic partnership with the Adani Group plays a vital role in enhancing its port infrastructure, particularly in a post-crisis recovery phase where Colombo Port serves as a critical hub in South Asia.

The project not only facilitates trade but also strengthens Sri Lanka’s economic ties with major investors like the UAE and India. Any disruption to this partnership could affect the nation’s aspirations to remain a competitive maritime player in the region.

Similarly, the Tanzanian Government has reiterated its commitment to Adani Ports, emphasizing full compliance with national laws and dismissing concerns about ongoing projects.

IHC’s steadfast support for the Adani Group underscores the conglomerate’s resilience amid challenges and reflects global investors’ continued interest in sustainable infrastructure. For Sri Lanka, this partnership reinforces the importance of maintaining a stable investment climate to leverage opportunities for long-term growth.