Laugfs launches major hotel projects

by P. Krishnaswamy

Laugfs Leisure Ltd, the leisure and hospitality arm of Laugfs Holdings Ltd, is now focusing on tourism, the country's fastest growing industry, with its first luxury seaside hotel Anantaya in Bangadeniya, Chilaw to be launched shortly.

The investment on this hotel project now stands at Rs. 3 billion and it is an ideal tourist destination, secluded from noisy streets and bustling cities and close to much sought after tourist attractions, including the Kalpitiya whale and dolphin watching areas and the Wilpattu wildlife sanctuary.

With the rhythmic lapping of the Indian ocean's turquoise waters on one side, the snaking lagoon with its flanking lush vegetation on the other and the pristine white-sand beach at the door step it is a serene hideaway for discerning business and leisure travellers.

The hotel which is in the five-star range has 85 rooms comprising four suites, 16 premium category rooms, 46 deluxe rooms and 19 superior rooms, all intricately designed with sea front and lagoon views.

There are a multitude of recreational and sports facilities, two large swimming pools and a large 200-foot spa operated by foreign experts.

There is also a conference hall with seating facility for 100 guests and a well-equipped gym. There is a lobby, and a pool bar.

The mini-conference hall can accommodate 250 guests.

The founder-chairman of Laugfs Holdings Limited, W.K.H.Wegapitiya said that he climbed the corporate ladder having started business with just Rs. 5,000 as capital. Laugfs, the conglomerate with 20 business sectors, is seeking new avenues for business expansion, he said.

His decision to enter the hospitality industry was prompted by the emerging economic growth and the tremendous potential for tourism, with anticipated tourist arrivals of 2.5 million by 2016 and 36,000 new hotel rooms for guests. Tourism is one of the hub concepts of Mahinda Chintana for national prosperity and he was inspired by that, Wegapitiya said.

The hotel project will bring social and economic benefits to local communities. A large majority of the 150 employees are from the fishing village in the neighbourhood. More youth from local communities will be employed after the hotel starts functioning.

As the hotel starts functioning, livelihood, educational and recreational facilities will be extended gradually to improve the living standard of local communities, he said.

Some of the fish, shrimp and other seafood items of the local fishermen will be bought by the hotel while a major portion of their products will be marketed through Laugfs supermarkets and other outlets, Wegapitiya said. It is the first ever luxury hotel to be launched in the Chilaw-Puttlam coastal area and the other advantages are that the Ramzar wetland, one of the best in the world, is in Anaulundawa, and the hotel is only a two-hour drive from Colombo, he said. Nature-friendly outdoor activities such as deep sea fishing, surfing, canoe and boat riding for the guests will also be started, Wegapitiya said.

Two other hotels are under construction, one at Pasikudah with an investment of Rs. 3 billion and the other at Waskaduwa at a cost of Rs. 5 billion, a resort, with an international standard conference and exhibition hall, he said.