John Keells invests in Chaaya Tranz and Chaaya Wild

The John Keells Hotels Group has continued to invest heavily in Sri Lankan tourism by refurbishing and launching two hotels under its "Chaaya Hotels and Resorts" brand. With a combined investment of over $17 m Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa and Chaaya Wild Yala will enrich tourism.

Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa is a celebration of the avant garde and liberal lifestyle of Hikkaduwa with vibrant interiors and luxurious spaces which both draw inspiration from and showcase the local flavours of Hikkaduwa. A total investment of $1.2 m has been utilised for the transformation of Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa. The Group will make Chaaya Tranz its base for Whale Watching in Mirissa. Chaaya Wild Yala, also due to open in November is a completely different offering to the well-travelled and discerning nature enthusiast.

With a $ 0.5 m investment the 66-chalet world class game lodge is placed in what is almost an extension of the Yala National Park with open boundaries to the surrounding wildlife.

Deputy Chairman, John Keells Holdings PLC Ajit Gunewardene said, "We will continue to invest not only in increasing the size and reach of our hotel portfolio but in adding unique properties to enhance Sri Lanka's overall tourism offering. Through experience we have devised a formula that enables us significant efficiencies in project speeds and costs, which we believe is not easily replicated. This will be a strong advantage for us in maintaining our dominance in the Sri Lankan tourism sector amidst local and potential international competition.