Gateway College and Prime Lands Enter into Landmark Transaction to Establish New State-of-the-Art School in Malabe

Ruminda Randeniya, CEO of Prime Group, Sandamini Perera, Co-Founder and Co-Chairperson of Prime Group, Dr. Harsha Alles, Chairman, Gateway Group and Mrs. Dinali Alles, Director, Gateway Group.

Gateway College has taken over ownership of the Regent Country Club in Malabe, in a landmark transaction that will pave the way for the establishment of a new state-of-the-art international school in one of the fastest-growing residential areas in the Greater Colombo region.

Significantly, the transaction takes place at a special milestone in the history of both organisations, as Gateway and Prime Lands, having had humble beginnings three decades ago, celebrate their 30th anniversaries this year. The landmark collaboration marks another important chapter in the growth journeys of two organisations that have made a significant impact in their respective fields.

The transaction follows a decision by the Prime Group to focus on several of its large-scale development projects while facilitating the establishment of a high-quality international school in an area where the Group has played a significant role in driving residential development.

The picturesque 3.2 acre property is already equipped with a range of well-developed facilities, including a banquet hall, conference rooms, offices, swimming pool, gymnasium and other supporting infrastructure. These facilities will provide a strong foundation for the development of a modern educational environment designed to meet the needs of a growing community.

Sandamini Perera, Co-Founder and Co-Chairperson of Prime Lands (Pvt) Ltd, said that Malabe and its surrounding areas have emerged as some of the fastest-growing regions in Sri Lanka.

“Prime Lands, together with many other developers, has contributed significantly to the transformation of this area into a highly sought-after residential region for the upper-middle-class segment of Greater Colombo's urban population. We are delighted to see Gateway College establish its presence here, providing residents in Malabe and the surrounding areas with convenient access to an international school offering education of the highest quality,” she said.

Dr. Harsha Alles, Chairman of the Gateway Group, expressed his appreciation to the Prime Group for facilitating the transaction and supporting the process through a phased approach that made the acquisition possible.

“We are extremely grateful to the Prime Group for the manner in which they facilitated this entire process. The phased approach adopted by them enabled us to make this landmark transaction a reality,” Dr. Alles said.

He added that the new school would further strengthen the Gateway Group's growing network of educational institutions, which includes Gateway Colleges in Rajagiriya, Kandy, Negombo, Dehiwala and Ratmalana, as well as Springfield Colleges in Kandy, Borella and Nugegoda.

All Gateway and Springfield schools operate from spacious campuses equipped with modern facilities. In addition, students across the network benefit from shared specialised facilities, including the nine-acre sports ground in Seeduwa, a 50-metre swimming pool in Negombo and a football pitch in Ratmalana.

“With our vision of Energize, Enlighten, Empower, Gateway will continue to strive towards providing a truly global education within a local setting,” Dr. Alles said. “Our objective is to create an environment in which young people are equipped with the knowledge, skills, confidence and values they need to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.”