Essex Lanka Holdings (Pvt) Limited is a privately owned Sri Lankan company formed specifically to develop and own a new 5 star hotel.

The Client’s - New Build

In 2002 Essex Lanka Holdings (Pvt) Limited purchased a prestigious site; 10.6 acres of land, adjoining an expansive lake with a connection to the Indian Ocean. The company gained general development consent from the Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority for a 98 room complex and appointed RSW Partnership as their Delivery Agent.

The Project

E2003 and 2004 saw a peak in the Sri Lanka tourism industry through global recognition of its’ idealic location and natural surroundings. A tsunami hit the Island on Boxing Day 2004 and devastated tourism for a time.

The SL Government undertook an electoral mandate to eradicate a long-standing terrorist conflict from the Island. The Civil War conflict ended abruptly on 18th May 2009 followed by the 2010 Presidential Election and Democratic General Elections; political stability is the result.

2013 tourism levels have hugely exceeded industry expectations which have led to above norm hotel occupancy levels and average room rates.

China, India and the Region have identified the strategic global importance of Sri Lanka and are investing heavily in new roads, ports and harbours.

New Airport, Sea port, Southern Highway, Railway links and Seaplane services access the site and an ocean beach and lakeside transfer station is an option.

“Stability” has become a key word for investors and Sri Lanka can lay claim to being one of the few countries in the world where security and peace can be found in a beautiful cultural island ideally suited for tourism.

The Commission

RSW Partnership is appointed “The Delivery Agent” and manages the programme in compliance with its QAS Plan of Work and is engaged under an Association of Consulting Engineers commission.

RSW Partnership are tasked to achieve:

Sign-off of the Client’s Brief and obtain development permission from The Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority.

Prepare such contract documentation, as necessary, to develop a top-quality holiday resort comprising 98 (potential 114) chalet style log cabins.

Secure funding and engage an International hotel management company

Prepare such drawings and specifications, as necessary, to present the intent to a “design and build” contractor for implementation and oversee the construction, commissioning and handover of entire project.