Navy launches Malima Group of Hotels

June 13, 2013, 8:08 pm


by Shamindra Ferdinando

The conclusion of the conflict in May 2009 paved the way for security forces to launch major commercial ventures in accordance with Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa’s agenda to ensure that the three services engaged in worthwhile projects, which could contribute to ongoing welfare programmes undertaken by respective services.

All three services had taken advantage of the post-war stability to step into the tourism industry with the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) launching a major hospitality project under ‘Malima’ brand.

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa declared open Malima Club House at Uswetakeiyawa on June 5 on the invitation of Navy Commander, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage.

A few years ago, such a project would have been unimaginable as the premises had been a critical part of the overall SLN strategy to thwart possible LTTE operations directed at the port of Colombo.  The base then known as SLN Kelani, coordinated defences north of the harbour during the last phase of the conflict.

Addressing the media Chairman of Malima Group of Hotels VA Colombage said that the SLN was ready to take advantage of the tourism boom while emphasizing profit making was definitely not the sole purpose of the project. The proceeds would be utilized to implement welfare projects for SLN personnel and their families as well as ongoing house building project for the benefit of service personnel, the Vice Admiral said.

A smiling SLN chief said the rapid development of the Old Dutch canal as well as the road parallel to the waterway would be a great advantage to the SLN venture, the latest in a series of hospitality projects launched since the end of the conflict. The road works could be completed within the next couple of months.

Director General of the Media Center for National Security (MCNS) Lakshman Hulugalle said that the distance between Colombo city and Malima Club House could be covered in 20 minutes. Huhugalle said that the armed forces entry into the hospitality trade had been in line with post-war utilization of them for development programmes. The ongoing Colombo City beautification project would never have been a reality without the armed forces spearheading the effort under the direction of Defence Secretary Rajapaksa, Hulugalle said.

VA Colombage said that Malima Club House was the tenth property now opened to the public. Other assets included Fort Hammenhiel situated in Karainagar (in Karaitivu Island), formerly a SLN detention facility and Sober resort situated on an island at the entrance to the Trincomalee harbour.

SLN spokesman Commander Kosala Warnakula-suriya said that during the conflict it would have been unimaginable that such places could be tourist attractions for both local as well as expatriates. Navy spokesman said that during the conflict Sober Island had formed part of Trincomalee harbour defences. It would be a new experience to spend a day at a place which couldn’t have been accessible a few years ago. Fort Hammenhiel had been first used by the Portuguese to detain service personnel, Commander Warnakulasuriya said, adding that some of the cells remained the same and those who wanted to spend a day there could take advantage of the SLN offer.

Other SLN properties are Light House Galley (Colombo), reception halls at (Kantale, Poonewa and Kirindi-oya), Nature villa (Panama), Weligambay Villas (Mirissa), and Golf Club (Trincomalee).

Responding to a query, VA Colombage said that the SLN wouldn’t undertake new projects instead work hard to consolidate ongoing ventures. "We are new to the tourism field, though we have a dedicated team of professionals to manage the operations. We are confident of attracting customers by providing an excellent service at reasonable rates to suit whatever the occasion. Malima Club House will undertake entire range of functions from corporate gatherings to weddings," VA Colombage said.

 In addition to luxury venues namely Banquet Bay, Oceanic Hall and Sky Harbour, the Malima Club House included a swimming pool.

Asked whether the SLN’s entry into the field would trigger protests from the private sector over unfair trade practices, the SLN chief said that Malima brand would be relatively cheaper, but not that cheap. VA Colombage said that some hoteliers in Trincomalee often requested the SLN to accommodate their guests as they couldn’t cope with the demand. The SLN was of the view that with tourism booming in the post-war era, there would be space for many new ventures.

Hulugalle said that the country was still short of the required number of rooms to meet the growing demand in the wake of government initiatives to attract more foreigners. Due to increase demand from foreigners, the price structure at established hotels had been increased, therefore those locals who wanted to stay a day or two in comfort at relatively a cheaper rate could drive into a SLN managed hotel.

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