The management of Water’s Edge, the Urban Development Authority will begin building a five star hotel this year. The hotel will consist of 250 rooms and 16 suites thus making the venue a one stop shop for Meeting Incentive Conference and Exhibitions (MICE). The UDA has also decided to call for both local and international tenders to build this hotel.

The UDA is expected to short list the application and the construction is to commence mid this year. The project is estimated to cost over Rs. 2 billion according to sources and it will provide 450 direct employment opportunities.

“With Sri Lankan tourism booming and more international events being hosted in Sri Lanka we expect our property to be considered a venue to host future MICE events,” said General Manager of Water’s Edge, Rohan Fernandopulle.

The Water’s Edge also boasts of a sea plane landing facility, a pontoon to cater to 40 guests, many specialty restaurants and a large garden area for dining and hosting parties and weddings and many other facilities which helps the property to be marketed as a high end resort.

The hotel is also having plans to expand their car park and is looking to introduce a ‘drive through’ food counter and a mini restaurant outside the main building.

Fernandopulle who is also the Culinary Adviser to both President Mahinda Rajapaksa and UDA, said that the Water’s Edge was completely refurbished to host some of the CHOGM events with additional facilities being added.

Source: http://www.dailynews.lk/?q=business/water-s-edge-build-rs-2b-star-hotel-tap-mice-market