Minor Intl Anantara & Hemas Serendib Buy Kani Lanka Resort, Kalutara, Sri Lanka for $22mn

10th August 2010, www.dailynews.lk

Minor International of Thailand together with its local partner Hemas Holdings, and through its subsidiary Serendib Hotels has acquired 100 percent shares of Cyprea Lanka, the owner and operator of Kani Lanka Resort and Spa, Kalutara.

The total acquisition and development cost of the property is estimated at US$ 22 million.

Kani Lanka Resort and Spa is spread across an 18 acre stretch of land situated at the tip of the river mouth of the Kalu Ganga in Kalutara, on the south western coast of Sri Lanka.

The 105 room four-star resort enjoys a spectacular view of the river and the sea.

The new owners plan to upgrade the existing property and develop a new resort under the ‘Anantara’ brand that will consist of 120 luxury rooms.

This will be the first-ever ‘Anantara’ branded resort in Sri Lanka and the first international chain of luxury hotels to come into post-conflict Sri Lanka. ‘Anantara’, a well-known brand around the world for its luxury resorts, is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Leafing Small Hotels, Virtuoso and the Kiwi Collection. Chairman/CEO of the Minor Group William E. Heinecke said Minor is delighted to bring its Anantara brand to Sri Lanka.

“The country has shown great promise, especially in the aftermath of the protracted civil disturbances. With Sri Lanka’s legendary hospitality, vast cultural diversity and infinite variety, I have no doubt that this partnership will transcend the envisaged goals and make Sri Lanka one of the top end destinations in the region,” he said.

Hemas Holdings Director and Serendib Leisure Management Chairman Abbas Esufally said time is ripe to re-define the boundaries of conventional tourism and explore new and bolder ventures.

“With 2011 being declared as ‘Visit Sri Lanka’ Year, and with the 750,000+ expected tourists, the potential is massive. Now is the time for all stakeholders to get together and get ready for 2011. Hemas is proud to partner with an organisation of the calibre of the Minor Group and its internationally acclaimed ‘Anantara’ brand.”

The newly acquired property will be managed by Serendib Leisure Management.