Shangri-La chief to build hotels here

by Sureka GALAGODA

Chairman CEO of Asia Pacific's leading luxury hotel group, Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Kuok Khoon-Ean has promised that he will build a hotel in Colombo and another elsewhere in the country, said Minister of External Affairs Prof. G.L. Peiris the inauguration of Excon 2010 at the BMICH.

Minister Wimal Weerawansa

Prof. Peiris said that during Kuok Khoon-Ean's visit to the country in his private jet he was taken on a helicopter tour to Hambantota, Kalpitiya as well as the North and the East. This move by the chairman of the well-known Shangri La chain will create many opportunities in the construction industry. He said that since our human capital is second to none, exporting of services was never an issue.

With the end of the conflict many opportunities have opened and therefore the people engaged in the construction industry need not look at opportunities outside.

Prof. Peiris said that the Government is in the process of re-building infrastructure and will use Sri Lankan resources.

Indian Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said that they will use Sri Lankan talent for Indian government funded projects in the country.

Minister Peiris said that there should be a comprehensive policy for construction but it will take time as nothing can be done over night.

Construction, Engineering Services, Housing and Common Amenities Minister Wimal Weerawansa said the Government would take steps to repeal, amend and change the laws that hamper the development of the country.

The minister said that within the next few years the landscape of the Colombo city will change to keep pace with the development of the country. He said that the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) is not in a position to cater to the future needs of development.

Therefore, plans are under way to establish an Authority to support all stakeholders in developing the city of Colombo.

Chairman, Chamber Construction Industry (CCI), Surath Wickramasinghe said that the gloomy situation affecting the development of the construction industry is fading and if the bottlenecks are cleared the sky will be the limit for the industry.