World Trade Centre turns 15

The World Trade Centre, (WTC) Colombo celebrated 15 successful years of serving the business community of Sri Lanka.

To mark this milestone, Overseas Realty, the developer, owner and manager of the WTC, hosted a gala reception at the WTC lobby for their valued tenants and stakeholders. The event was graced by Chief Guest Minister of Economic Development Basil Rajapaksa and heads of key corporate giants in Sri Lanka.

The WTC, Colombo was a monumental investment made by the visionary entrepreneur Shing Pee Tao, a citizen of Singapore of Chinese origin. He is the founder of Shing Kwan Group and has extensive worldwide business experience in commodities, shipping and real estate sectors. His ties with Sri Lanka date as far back as 1958.

Tao acquired Overseas Realty (Ceylon) Ltd., a listed company in the Colombo Stock Exchange, which owned the undeveloped plot of land at Echelon Square.

The groundbreaking for the US$ 130 million towers took place in 1992.

The 37 storey high twin towers, the first to offer premier office space in Sri Lanka, was declared open on 12 October 1997 under the patronage of former President Chandrika Bandaranaike and Tao himself.  

The country being in the midst of a raging war, the building suffered damage from an explosion that took place in close proximity a mere three days later. Restoration was completed in record time and the World Trade Center was re-commissioned in June 1998.

Fifteen years later, the World Trade Center undisputedly emerges as the best business address in Sri Lanka. Well situated in the heart of the central business district, it is surrounded by banks, hotels, Government institutions and key public transport hubs.

Boasting the largest B2B network under one roof, the building has a prestigious tenant base numbering over 200 local, international and multinational brand names, including the Colombo Stock Exchange, Securities Exchange Commission, and the BOI of Sri Lanka. As one of the 320 World Trade Centers located in over 90 countries, a global network of business prospects is also accessible.

The only intelligent building with smart infrastructure, it is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for its tenants and visitors alike. With in-built facilities such as airlines, banks, business suites, data centres, food and beverage, medical centres, and a gymnasium all under one roof, it is also the most energy efficient commercial building in Sri Lanka, winning many coveted awards.

The celebration also saw the launch of a 15th anniversary commemorative stamp and first day cover, which was officially cancelled at the event and presented to Minister Rajapaksa.

Addressing the gathering, Overseas Realty Group CEO Pravir Samarasinghe acknowledged and thanked the support of all tenants and reiterated: “The World trade Center, Colombo will continue to provide you the best business address, the best of facilities and the best of service.”

In a speech by Tao delivered by Overseas Realty Deputy Chairman H.Z. Cassim, reminiscing over his fond memories of Sri Lanka and the development of the World Trade Center, Tao did not hesitate to mention his love for our nation: “As Sri Lanka is a country closest to my heart, after my birth place China, I pray for the nation’s progress and prosperity to join their rightful place amongst the top developing countries in the near future.”