His Excellency President of Sri Lanka Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe

Honourable Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Mr. Dinesh Gunawardena

Respected former Presidents of Sri Lanka

Hon’ble Ministers and Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka

Chairman and Managing Director of the ITC Group Shri Sanjiv Puri

Our Sri Lankan and Indian friends present today

Ladies and Gentlemen

Ayubowan, Vannakam, Namaskar

I am really delighted to be present at the opening of the ITC Ratnadip Hotel in Colombo. I would like to thank His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Sri Lanka and other distinguished guests for gracing this occasion. 

Friends, 

One remarkable change that I saw on my first arrival in Sri Lanka in December 2023 as compared to when I left in 2010 at the end of my previous assignment in Sri Lanka has been the impressive skyline that has developed opposite the iconic Galle Face Green. And I am delighted that an Indian investment has also contributed to it. The ITC Ratnadip indeed adds to the beauty of the skyline opposite the Galle Face Green. It is not only one of the biggest investments by an Indian firm in Sri Lanka but is also one that is emblematic of India’s commitment to Sri Lanka through thick and thin having been built through a difficult period of covid pandemic and the economic crisis in Sri Lanka.

As many of you are aware, India has been the leading economic partner of Sri Lanka - we are the largest trade partner of Sri Lanka, the largest source of FDI in recent years and since we are at the opening of a Hotel in Colombo, I must add that India is also the largest contributor to tourist traffic into Sri Lanka. I am sure that hotels such as ITC Ratnadipa will help Sri Lanka attract more tourists and in turn more hotel and tourism related investments in this country. The potential for this is clearly far greater than what we see happening today. And we remain determined to support our Sri Lankan friends in promoting tourism and investments into this country. Recent examples of this are the bunch of UPI based payment settlements in Sri Lanka, commencement of talks on the connectivity corridor etc. We are not only willing and but even delighted that we can support Sri Lanka in its endeavour to build a more stable, secure and prosperous country. 

Speaking of the ITC Ratnadip, I must say that it brings one of India’s most iconic brands to Sri Lanka. ITC Group is a leading multi-billion dollar business conglomerate in India with businesses in a variety of sectors. As a hospitality brand, it has iconic properties across India. I am told that ITC Ratnadip is its first venture in the hotel industry outside India. It will bring the ITC brand into Sri Lanka as a global leader in responsible luxury and exemplar in sustainability. It will also bring its globally acknowledged food and beverages brands some of which such as Avartana, Peshawari and Yi Jing will be on offer at Ratnadip in Sri Lanka. 

Last month, I had the opportunity to see the facilities in the hotel and I can vouch that there are many innovative and creative concepts that have been built in. One thing that strikes one immediately is the integration of modern Sri Lanka with Sri Lanka’s rich architectural history and heritage. 

This stands out whether one visits the hotel rooms or other facilities at the hotel. Another feature one notices is the inspiration drawn from the water lily, the national flower of Sri Lanka, which is used for flooring and screens at the hotel. Also, one can see the art works of reputed Sri Lankan maestros, which are showcased across the hotel. As you all may have noticed already, the hotel also provides a beautiful panoramic view of the Indian Ocean, especially at the lobby level. There is also the state-of-the-art sky bridge “Ahasa '' connecting the two towers of the building at a height of 100 metres. This is the first of its kind in South Asia. And then there is a helipad which adds a new dimension to hotel facilities in Sri Lanka.

I am really happy that the long awaited day of opening the hotel has finally arrived. I congratulate the ITC team that has made it happen. I wish them all well as they begin their operations. I am confident that they will do very well in months and years to come.

Thank you!