Global Towers unveils country’s first panoramic-roofed ballroom

Working on an ethos of pioneering initiatives for the hospitality industry, Global Towers, which was the first commercial property to open its doors on the Marine Drive in 2002, unveiled Sri Lanka’s very first panoramic and all-weather banqueting space on its rooftop recently.

Called ‘The Dome’, this ballroom, which caters to 250 pax, is designed to add much more lustre to any banquet event, whether wedding, corporate event, dinner dance or product launch, given its panoramic view of both bustling cityscape and alluring seascape. 

The Dome was ceremonially inaugurated by Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrema.

As Global Towers Chairman and Managing Director Phylix Selvadurai mentioned, “This panoramic glass-covered roof to reveal the full splendour of what Sri Lanka has to offer. We are very proud to make banquets a completely different experience in Sri Lanka, with this extraordinary space that adds a touch of magic with its retractable canopy giving an uninterrupted view of sky and sea. Sri Lanka has a burgeoning tourism industry and we intend adding diverse experiences to what is already on offer to ensure that Sri Lanka’s multi-faceted offerings are sought after by diverse clientele.” 

He added that the new additions are made even more comprehensive given that the entire food and beverage (F&B) milieu has added new and exciting flavours to its menus.

Global Towers has been under new management since March last year and has been working on re-strategizing its product, building on its strengths and etching pioneering pathways. The 168-room apartment-styled three-star property has one of the most enchanting and uncluttered views of the Indian Ocean.

“Our location is truly unique and we must build on that,” said Selvadurai, a prominent property developer and investor in the UK, who was in fact the first Sri Lankan expatriate to infuse foreign direct investment (FDI) on a large-scale during the challenging times in 2002. He added that this ballroom is just one of the facets GTH is employing, in building on the unique advantages.

The Dome Bar, a fully-fledged lounge bar also based on the rooftop, is another new addition to the product offerings at Global Towers, with the added enchantment of the azure sea well in view. The unique architecture makes it the ideal chill out spot to enjoy a legendary Sri Lankan sunset or lively conversation prompted by twilight hues and high spirits. “With this unique location well complimented with Colombo’s first-ever retractable canopy-roofed banquet hail, which naturally gives our guests the option of having a panoramic rooftop event, we do believe we have set the trend for a new banqueting experience,” said Selvadurai.

“From a business point of view, Global Towers will definitely gain a positive impact on its bottom line, because we believe that our turnover will increase by at least a further Rs.150 million annually.”

Global Towers has begun completely revitalising its entire service ethos too, to compliment its product offerings, which include the restaurant, gym and spa, swimming pool, pastry shop, business centre and travel office.

“Our entire team of 185 is gaining a new realm in service standards. Undergoing comprehensive training programmes, we are augmenting our service standards to reach higher standards of excellence in meeting customer service levels demanded of our discerning clientele including those from the Middle East and the Maldives, in addition to corporate and leisure travellers.”

Global Towers board of management comprises Chairman and Managing Director Phylix Selvadurai, Executive Directors Chaminda Sithambaran, Godfrey Fernando, together with a competent board of directors, while the new management team is headed by CEO Basheer Cader, supported by General Manager Ronald Perera, Operations Manager Mahinda Rodrigo, Executive Sous Chef Priyantha Rohan Kurera and Financial Controller Mohamed Hassan.

Global Investment Lanka Limited, the owning company of Global Towers, is currently in the process of constructing a new tower adjacent to the current property, which will be a 35-storey four-star hotel with 200 suites and 150 rooms at an investment of Rs.9 billion. The property is billed for completion in three years.