Sri Lanka is the Best Place in the World for Seeing and Photographing Blue Whales. Migratory Whales Passing Southern Seas of Sri Lanka Confirmed

26th November 2010, www.island.lk

When Jetwing Lighthouse’s resident naturalist Anoma Alagiyawadu set out to go whale watching on the 5th of November 2010, he never in his wildest dreams imagined that he would be seeing 25 Blue Whales in the spectacular waters of the Mirissa Sea. However it was to be a red letter day as it yielded up a most unexpected sight; i.e. 25 of the largest mammal species to probably have ever inhabited the earth.

On a cloudy and windy November morning, an expedition of whale watchers led by Anoma Alagiyawadu left Mirissa at 7.30am. When returning at around 10.40am they spotted in the distance what they thought were sperm whales. However within 10 minutes they recognized the large pod of whales to be Blue Whales who were travelling with the water current from West to East possibly towards the Bay of Bengal. At this time the team was in a boat which was 8.86 nautical miles away from the coast of Mirissa.

The whales were reported to be seen travelling on the surface of the ocean at quite a speed while doing shallow dives as they moved through the waters. The Blue Whales were travelling close together either in pairs or individually.

Jetwing’s naturalist confirmed that he counted 25 Blue Whales around him but he swears that there were more in number although he cannot give an exact figure. This discovery is certainly exciting news for Whale enthusiasts as it spells increased whale activity off Sri Lanka’s southern coast.

In 2007 it was confirmed that migratory whales were passing through Sri Lanka’s southern seas. This confirmation led to southern Sri Lanka being named the "Best place in the World for seeing and photographing Blue Whales". This is especially true during the months of December to April when the calm southern seas are the perfect time during which to observe not only Blue Whales but Sperm Whales and Spinner Dolphins as well.

As a result Mirissa, less than an hour’s drive from Jetwing Lighthouse has become a popular spot for whale watching excursions. Furthermore, Jetwing Hotels have taken a lead in ensuring that responsible whale watching is promoted. Of equal importance is the fact that the hotel has a resident naturalist who has been trained by the experienced cetacean researcher, Dr. Charles Anderson.

This would certainly be an added bonus for all fervent whale watchers seeing that the travel website TripAdvisor describes whale watching with Anoma Alagiyawadu as a "truly magical experience".

Interested in going on a whale of an adventure? As the season for whale watching is well upon us it’s the best possible time to take that well needed break and head off down south for a relaxed holiday at Jetwing Lighthouse Hotel. The opportunity to go sightseeing for Blue Whales should not be missed as it is sure to enrich and enhance your perfect holiday by the sea.

Located outside the Colonial Dutch Fort of Galle, Jetwing Lighthouse is an ideal location at which to stay when planning a whale watching excursion on the Galle-Mirissa coastal strip. Jetwing Lighthouse was designed by Sri Lanka’s world renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa and is one of the small luxury hotels of the world.

Jetwing Lighthouse is famed for its splendid view of the sea and first class service which has had a profound impact on guests who have holidayed at the hotel. The spacious and tastefully designed hotel boasts of a spa, a hotel shop, two swimming pools, tennis and squash courts as well as a fully equipped gymnasium.

Jetwing Lighthouse belongs to the leading hotel group in Sri Lanka, Jetwing Hotels. Apart from Jetwing Lighthouse the other luxury boutique hotels are Jetwing Beach, Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions and Jetwing Vil Uyana.

Related Info:
• Southern Sri Lanka is the World's Best Location for Seeing and Photographing Blue Whales - Jetwing Eco Holidays & Jetwing LightHouse
• Two Loris Sighted on Jetwing Trail at Vil Uyana, Sigiriya

Profit up by 102pct for Sri Lanka's Lighthouse Hotel, Galle

23rd April 2010, www.lankabusinessonline.com

Lighthouse Hotel, a unit of Sri Lanka's Jetwing leisure group said profits rose 102 percent in the March quarter to 32.2 million rupees amid a pick up in tourism, interim accounts showed.

Revenues rose 34 percent to 110.3 million rupees in the quarter. Sri Lanka's peak tourism season is the European winter, Sri Lankan hotels make most of their money in the December and March quarters.

Lighthouse's full-year profits 22.6 million rupees, giving earnings per share of 49 cents for the year.

The firm is trading at around 65 rupees giving a price to earnings multiple of 132 times. The dot com type earnings multiples are reflect the current highly optimistic expectations for hotel shares.

The hotel has 63 rooms and analysts say expansion prospects are not high.

Hayleys, a listed Sri Lankan group sold out earlier in the quarter at prices over 60 rupees and the latest shareholder list shows large stakes owned by state institutions.

The two main shareholders are Jetwing Hotels Management Services (24.02 percent) and Mercantile Investments (14.36 percent).

Employees Provident, a pension fund of private citizens managed by the state now has 11.09 percent, the Bank of Ceylon 9.78 percent, National Savings Bank 4.35 percent.

Sri Lanka's state state banks, have been active players in the market in recent months, despite the government going through a cash crunch and concern being raised about renewed money printing and rising inflation.

Sri Lanka's State Run Provident Fund Buys 10% of Lighthouse Hotel, Galle

18th March 2010 www.lbo.lk

Sri Lanka state-run Employees Provident Fund of private citizens had bought a 10 percent stake in Lighthouse Hotel, a unit of the Jetwing leisure group, a stock exchange filing said.

NDB stockbrokers said the EPF, the country's largest retirement fund, had bought 4.6 million shares of Lighthouse.

The hotel is part owned by Sri Lanka's Hayleys group and was initiated as part of a joint thrust into the leisure sector.

Hayleys is now going it alone and acquired Continental Hotel, Colombo's oldest five star rated hotel earlier this month.