Suriya Resorts, a tropical paradise in Negombo

By Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

Nestled among the lush palm fronds adjoining the Negombo lagoon, the tropical paradise 'Suriya Resorts' is the latest addition to the upmarket boutique hotels, ready to welcome visitors.

Built with an investment of Rs 950 million, this nine- acre hotel offers the visitors the total relaxation away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The 62-room property operated by Suriya Luxury Resorts (Pvt) Ltd has 14 suites, six water chalets and 42 Deluxe rooms and is rated 4 + star category. It is staffed with well experienced team most with 5 star training experience.

"We will further develop the hotel and will add more room capacity. Under the second phase there will be 20 water chalets added next year, Suriya Luxury Resort Deputy Chairman Nilan Suriyasena told the Sunday Observer. The 'Water Bungalow' is a unique feature and this is the first beach resort with it in Sri Lanka.

Suriya Resorts have been in commercial operation for the past two months and will have the gala opening ceremony next month. So far the feedback has all been positive, he said.

The hotel is equipped with all the modern facilities including a swimming pool, gym, spa, two restaurants and three bars. It also offers a fine dining restaurant by the river and a large pool with fibre optic lighting and Jacuzzi. The pool bar boundaries the river encircling the hotel. Suriya Luxury Resort has also a large garden with Eco friendly landscaping with natural vegetation.

Imaya Liyanage, the winner of Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Earth 2014 (third from left)

"Having signed up with both local and foreign travel agents we expect to maintain an occupancy rate of around 90 percent. Being open for online booking we hope to attract German and British markets and at present we hope to broaden our clientèle, Suriyasena said. We are also looking at Eastern Europe, China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia and USA targeting the up-market clients.

The lush tropical surroundings make Suriya Resorts an ideal venue any important function. Recently a gathering for the Miss Sri Lanka finalists was held there.

"Though I am from this area, I did not know about this place. A friend of my father's told me about Suriya Resort in Waikkal. When I visited the place the breathtaking beauty of it made me decide to hold the party here. I am glad that I made that decision as this provides the ideal party atmosphere", said Imaya Liyanage. Imaya Liyanage was crowned the winner of Miss Sri Lanka for Miss Earth 2014 on August 2.

Her first beauty pageant contest was the Miss Sri Lanka for Miss World 2013 and she ended up being among the top 12. Since then she started modelling professionally. She always wanted to be a model and take part in beauty pageants since she was a child. She had a dream to be a winner one day. Finally her wish came true. Hailing from Wennappuwa she schooled at Wennappuwa Holy Family Convent.