Germany to help revive GSP+ for Sri Lanka: Visiting Foreign Minister

(LBO) – Germany would lead the European Union to revive the GSP+ relief for Sri Lanka, the German Foreign Minister said in a statement.

“I will take action in that regard, in coordination with the Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka,” Frank Steinmeier, foreign minister of Germany said when he called on President Maithripala Sirisena, Tuesday.

President Sirisena, commending the cooperation of Germany extended to Sri Lanka for a long time, said that to maintaining a good association with every country in world is the foreign policy of the new government of Sri Lanka.

“Ensuring of the democracy and reconciliation is the course of the government,” he said.

“The government is also committed to ensure the freedom of judiciary.”

The German Foreign Minister expressed the satisfaction of the government of Germany on the program carried out by the Sri Lankan government to ensure democracy and achieve reconciliation.

Steinmeier conveyed the invitation of German Chancellor Angela Merkal for President Sirisena to visit Germany and the President accepted the invitation, the statement said.

Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Harsha de Silva, Secretary to the Ministry Mr. Sivageeshwara and German Ambassador in Sri Lanka Dr. Jürgen Morhard also participated in this occasion.

JKH promises $ 850 m Cinnamon Life will be game changer

Premier blue chip John Keells Holdings (JKH) yesterday promised that the biggest-ever private sector investment of $ 850 million for Cinnamon Life in Colombo 2 would be an economic game changer for Sri Lanka and an icon in South Asia. A trendsetting project in Sri Lanka, Cinnamon Life has been launched with pride by Waterfront Properties Ltd., a member of the John Keells Group. This architectural icon has been envisioned as a 4.5 million sqft integrated resort consisting of an 800-room luxury Cinnamon hotel, avant garde experiential and entertainment haven, residential apartments, state-of-the-art office spaces, a wide variety of food and beverage offerings and ballroom, conferencing, theatre and banqueting spaces. This mixed development project is Sri Lanka’s largest private sector investment. Cinnamon Life, with its vibrant and inspired concept, is a project of significant national importance and will become the epicentre of modern South Asia. This integrated resort development will be executed as a ‘life capital’, an architectural heartbeat, where different aspects of life, living, working and playing blend seamlessly, interacting with one another, empowering one another in new and exciting ways. Internationally renowned architect, artist and engineer, Cecil Balmond, the design visionary behind some of the most popular buildings in the world, including the ArcelorMittal Orbit in London and the CCTV in Beijing, will be bringing this inspired concept to life, while a consortium of contractors headed by Hyundai Engineering and Construction are the contractors for the project. With Cinnamon Life, Balmond has dreamed up a design that combines a contemporary international feel, with a local flavour. He is determined to use Sri Lanka’s largest private sector investment as a chance to put the nation on the world map. “Looking at it from an architecture and design point of view, it will be a composition of several forms. It will be like nothing Sri Lanka has ever seen. The integrated nature, unique design and the lifestyle it offers will make this the flagship development of Sri Lanka. The shape and form of the project is such that it will stand as a guard stone for the city,” he emphasizes.The structure of the project provides a backdrop to the city and the sea. It has massive projections which are powerful dynamic statements in architecture. The scalloped form gives it a romantic shape and mirrors the Beira Lake. The structure reflects a functional, yet aspirational, feel with the massive projections it will provide a theatrical sensation, for those within to watch the city in the front and the drama within the architecture itself.Articulating the John Keells vision for Cinnamon Life, Ajit Gunewardene, Deputy Chairman of the company, commented: “Cinnamon Life was conceptualised as a flagship project for Sri Lanka as it stakes its claim in the international arena after decades of remaining on the sidelines. The first of its kind in the region, Cinnamon Life will shine bright like a beacon of prosperity and help support the country’s development. “Locals and tourists need a destination to gather and enjoy themselves when they work, live or play and Cinnamon Life will be their playground! The integrated resort concept will attract investors, high-end brands, leisure and business travellers and local populace who will be compelled to be part of its unique contemporary ethos. This project will generate numerous benefits for the economy and the community. More importantly, Cinnamon Life will engender a sense of pride to be Sri Lankan as it will signal the march of the country towards a vibrant future.”The Property arm of the John Keells Group has successfully executed prominent landmarks such as Monarch and Emperor at Crescat City; Onthree20; and its latest project, 7th Sense – Gregory’s Road.Suresh Rajendra, President of the John Keells Property Group, commented: “The legendary reputation of the company precedes us in the marketplace and we are overwhelmed by the expressions of interest for bookings for ‘The Residence’. In fact, I am happy to announce that 40% of the first tower is already booked. John Keells will be replicating its successful guaranteed rental scheme which was operational at both its Emperor and Monarch projects. A similar scheme with a fixed guaranteed annual return for a limited number of apartments for a limited period will be available for Cinnamon Life. Another attractive feature is the state-of-the-art, 24-storey office space, half of which will be operated by the developers themselves and the remaining will be sold on an outright basis. We remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver the highest gains for this project.”Based on its sheer scale and powerful ambition, Cinnamon Life will showcase Sri Lanka’s aspirations and reliability to the region and define Sri Lanka as the place where possibilities are endless.
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