Sept 01, Colombo: Adding a novel experience to the people of Sri Lanka, the operation of the Colombo Lotus Tower, the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia, is planned to start from September 15, the President’s Media Division (PMD) announced.

With the commencement of operations of the Lotus Tower, which was built at a cost of nearly US$113 million, the Colombo Lotus Tower Pvt Ltd intends to offer the Sri Lankan public a novel experience, the President’s Media Division (PMD) said in a statement yesterday.

The construction of the Lotus Tower was started in 2012 and the completed project was handed over to the Government of Sri Lanka on February 28, 2022.

Out of the total cost, the Chinese government owned construction company has granted US$ 88.65 million and the rest has been borne by the Sri Lankan government. The loan installment payments are due to be completed by 2024. Already US$ 66.3936 million of the loan have been paid.

Colombo Lotus Tower Private Company is a company established in March this year under the Treasury, and all its transactions are audited by the Auditor General’s Department.

The loan agreement between the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission and China was initiated and the work on the Lotus Tower commenced in 2012.

Although its construction was planned to be completed in 2015, the planned date of completion could not be met. The Chinese company completed the construction work and handed over the Lotus Tower to the Government of Sri Lanka on February 28, 2022. Thereafter, Colombo Lotus Tower Pvt. Ltd. was established and its operations were entrusted to the company.

The Chief Administrative Officer of Colombo Lotus Tower Pvt. Ltd Major General Prasad Samarasinghe (Rtd), said the 350-meter tall Lotus Tower is planned to avail new technological experiences along with entertainment similar to those found in wealthy countries around the world.

Among the attractions offered at Lotus Tower are adventure sports such as sky diving and bungee jumping.

Samarasinghe said 80 percent of local investors and 20 percent of foreign investors have joined the investment opportunities at the Lotus Tower. So far, discussions have been held with 58 investors, out of which 22 investors are expressing their willingness to enter into agreements. Dialog Telecom and Sri Lanka Telecom have already reached agreements for investments of Rs.200 million each.

Colombo Lotus Tower (Pvt.) Company said orders for 15 different events have been received until December 31.

Mr. Samarasinghe further mentioned that it is planned to carry out all these operations successfully from January next year.

The Lotus Tower operations have been designed to meet the anticipated entertainment and recreational requirements of the public. The Lotus Tower is spread over 10.5 acres of land and will no doubt become an entertainment haven for the youth who desire adventure sports.

With the commencement of operations, anyone can avail themselves of this experience by purchasing a ticket. Tickets are priced at Rs. 500 and Rs. 2,000 while the tickets for foreigners is priced at UD$ 20. For a 2000 rupees ticket visitors can enter the premises without queuing and can go up the tower a few times. For a 500 rupee ticket a visitor can go up the tower only once.

It is also planned to introduce a QR Code system in the future instead of a ticket.

Visitors to the Lotus Tower can experience pubs, famous restaurants and souvenir shops on the ground floor, while several renowned commercial banks are also planned to be established on the ground floor.

The first floor is expected to be allocated for offices and it is also expected to establish a digital cinema hall. On the requests made by individuals and companies, steps have been taken to rent out space at the Lotus Tower on the basis of rates per square foot.

The third floor consists of a conference hall, which can accommodate up to 400 people at a time. Meanwhile, the open floor has been designed in such a manner that it can be used for various entertainment activities.

On the first floor, shaped like a lotus bud, a reception hall has been constructed that can accommodate about 400 people, and the upper floor is equipped with a revolving restaurant which no doubt, will be a novel experience for the public. The public will also have the opportunity of experiencing a bird’s eye view of the Colombo skyline from the highest observation deck. Lotus Tower is also equipped with three of the fastest lifts in the country, made in line with Japanese technology.

All these experiences will be opened to the public after the 15th.