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Monday, 30 December 2013 00:47 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Commenting on the decision to reposition Citrus Waskaduwa Director and Citrus Leisure PLCCEO Chandana Talwatte noted: “Emerging market conditions and evolving demand in the travel and tourism industries resulted in the decision to upgrade the property and its offering. The anticipated landscape of the hospitality offering in this geographic area has also changed. This has created an opportunity for a premium property in Waskaduwa. Furthermore, Citrus Hikkaduwa was also upgraded and refurbished recently which gave rise to the need for the Citrus brand to offer a solution to tourists from the upper segment of the market.”
As a result of this upgrade Citrus Waskaduwa has invested in upsizing all 150 rooms while also rejuvenating the amenities on offer. Each room will have better quality finishes, king size beds, day beds, larger TVs, luxury bathroom fittings and other conveniences. A junior suite has also been added to the inventory in addition to the presidential suite.
In terms of dining, Citrus Waskaduwa will now house four additional restaurants including specialty cuisine to offer a wider variety to its guests. The capacity of the main banquet hall has also been increased whilst its facilities were enhanced in keeping with international standards. This was done in anticipation of hosting international events and to promote the hotel as an ideal location to host large scale MICE events given its proximity to Colombo. Space has also been allocated for a secondary banquet/conference hall with a capacity to host 200 pax.
Keeping with the ideal of a complete holiday package, Citrus Waskaduwa has also taken steps to relocate and upgrade its gymnasium to meet five-star standards. An indoor games room with billiards / snooker tables and a signature bar will also be open for those who wish to relax indoors. 
Guests who prefer the great outdoors will also have ample opportunity to enjoy one of the longest beachfronts with an 800 metre stretch of sand and sea, guaranteeing a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean. An additional ocean facing land of 80 perches adjoining the existing property has also been developed for an outdoor amphitheatre.
Meanwhile, Citrus Leisure Group Chairman Prema Cooray said: “The Waskaduwa area has been identified as a potential hub for new tourist markets and the Citrus Leisure Group is in fact very proud to be one of the first leisure groups to introduce a large resort hotel not only in the area but also in the whole of post-war Sri Lanka. The property’s proximity to Colombo opens up many new opportunities to entice growing tourism markets specifically in the MICE tourism sectors. However, it must also be said that Citrus Waskaduwa is a place for every type of traveller, be it business or pleasure who is looking for a complete holiday experience.”
Citrus Waskaduwa has also invested in initiatives to control anticipated escalating operational costs. These include a large water treatment plant in order to store and recycle water as well as LED lighting for the entire hotel to save power consumption. Not only do these initiatives benefit the hotel itself, but also serves to ensure environmental protection in keeping with the ethos of sustainability that is commonplace with Citrus properties.
