Historic $ 608 m One Galle Face mall opens

• Shangri-La heralds Sri Lanka’s first internationally developed and managed mixed-use project 
• Venture is Group’s biggest in South Asia
• CEO says committed to work long-term with Sri Lanka, keen to be part of country’s transformative journey
• 7-storey mall features Michelin-Star restaurant, Sri Lanka’s largest cineplex operated by PVR Cinemas, new-to-market brands and concepts

President Maithripala Sirisena (centre left) and Shangri-La Group CEO Lim Beng Chee shortly before the ceremonial opening of the One Galle Face Mall yesterday 

- Pic by Sameera Wijesinghe

By Charumini de Silva 

Shangri-La yesterday ceremoniously opened Sri Lanka’s first internationally developed and managed mixed-use project, the $ 608 million One Galle Face Mall, which is also the Group’s biggest venture in South Asia.

The seven-storey mall, home to over 200 tenants and international and local brands, was declared open by President Maithripala Sirisena and Shangri-La Group CEO Lim Beng Chee.

One Galle Face is the Shangri-La Group’s largest venture in the region to date, and bears testament to Shangri-La Group’s confidence in Sri Lanka’s potential.

Shangri-La Group CEO Lim Beng Chee told the crowd gathered at the opening that they are committed to work long-term with Sri Lanka, and are keen on being a part of the country’s transformative journey.

“Shangri-La was one of the first international hotel groups to invest significantly in Sri Lanka’s tourism and commercial sectors, nine years ago. We are committed to a long-term relationship to boost the economy and play a part in Sri Lanka’s progress,” he added.

As an integrated lifestyle destination, he said One Galle Face brings to life a unique all-encompassing live, work, play, and stay concept, never experienced before in Sri Lanka.

“We couldn’t be prouder to add a new landmark in Colombo’s city centre. This is integrated living at its best, and we are confident that the One Galle Face Mall and One Galle Face Tower will continue to set new standards in Colombo as well as across the country,” Chee stressed.

He also said it has several new-to-market brands and concepts that are exclusive to One Galle Face Mall, including Shangri-La’s proprietary Adventure Zone and Trainyard, in addition to some globally renowned brands, as well as Sri Lanka’s largest Cineplex, operated by PVR Cinemas, and Crystal Jade, a Michelin-Star restaurant from Singapore.

Non-Cabinet Minister of Economic Reforms and Public Distribution Dr. Harsha de Silva said the Government is strengthening the tax structure by eliminating indirect taxes and para tariffs to increase consumption, attracting more investors to make Sri Lanka a commercial hub in the South Asian region.

“Sri Lanka’s potential as a tourist destination is endless. We are resilient, welcoming, and hospitable people. This is who we are and this is why people keep coming back to the country,” he added.

Recognising Shangri-La Hotel as one of the most prominent hotels in the country, Dr. de Silva said the quick revival of the tourism industry post Easter Sunday attacks was a testament to how resilient Sri Lanka is.

The event also marked the first time One Galle Face (OGF) officially opened its doors to welcome shoppers and tenants to the OGF Mall and OGF Tower. One Galle Face Mall and One Galle Face Tower follow the opening of The Residences at One Galle Face and the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo, in 2018 and 2017, respectively. Earlier this year, Shangri-La organised one of Sri Lanka’s largest career fairs, with thousands of job opportunities available for home-grown talent to join the retail industry.

OGF Mall is the largest international shopping mall in Sri Lanka, spanning over 490,000 sq. ft., and caters to every modern lifestyle need, from dining, entertainment, beauty, technology and shopping. It is also the first mall in Sri Lanka to feature an app-based loyalty program, helping mall tenants build long-term relationships with their customers.

Visitors can look forward to several new-to-market brands and concepts that are exclusive to OGF Mall. These include Shangri-La’s proprietary Adventure Zone, the largest immersive play space in Colombo for those aged two to twelve; and Trainyard, an innovative, larger-than-life workout hotspot.

Moviegoers can experience Sri Lanka’s largest cineplex operated by PVR Cinemas. The nine-screen multiplex includes the country’s first dedicated kids’ theatre.

Other international brands making their debut in Sri Lanka at OGF Mall includes Crystal Jade, a Michelin-Star restaurant from Singapore, and The Toy Store, a specialty toy store for kids.

Within OGF mall, shoppers can also find flagship stores of luxury brands such as OMEGA, Rolex, Tissot, Longines, TAG Heuer, and fashion brands including Diesel, Furla, and GUESS.

Other anchor tenants in OGF Mall include well-loved local brands, such as Odel Department Store, which will feature several new-to-market cosmetics brands; Keells Supermarket; and Food Studio, an international food hall.

Shoppers who wish to experience Colombo’s famous Pettah Market within a convenient mall setting, can head over to High 5 – a one-stop indoor bazaar for everything Sri Lankan, such as local crafts and trinkets, clothes and street food.

The opening ceremony was attended by Parliamentarians and industry leaders.