Colombo’s iconic Galadari Hotel is set to enter a new era following a strategic partnership between Galadari Hotels Lanka PLC and multinational hospitality management company Radisson Hotels Asia Pacific Investments Pte. Ltd. Under the agreement, the landmark property will be rebranded as Radisson Blu Hotel, Galadari Colombo, combining the global reputation of the Radisson Blu brand with the long-standing legacy of the Galadari name.
As part of the transition, Galadari Hotels Lanka PLC has committed to a comprehensive renovation and modernization programme aimed at upgrading the property to meet international Radisson Blu standards. The refurbishment marks the revival of plans that were originally announced in 2019 but delayed due to revised design concepts and changing market conditions.
To facilitate the transformation, the company entered into a Hotel Development Services Agreement (HDSA) and a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) with Radisson Hotels Asia Pacific Investments Pte. Ltd. The agreements were executed on 1 May 2023 and became effective following shareholder approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting held in July 2023.
The Hotel Management Agreement also provides for the possibility of entering into future licensing and management consultancy arrangements, subject to the fulfillment of specific conditions and at the discretion of the company.
Galadari Hotels Lanka PLC has confirmed that work on the long-awaited refurbishment of the 450-room property is now moving forward after a four-year hiatus. While the final details of the renovation programme are still being finalized, the company has formally disclosed its intention to proceed with the project in accordance with the listing rules of the Colombo Stock Exchange.
The original refurbishment proposal, announced in May 2019, included plans to renovate approximately 400 guest rooms, upgrade food and beverage outlets, and improve mechanical, electrical and plumbing infrastructure at an estimated investment of US$15 million. The project was initially expected to commence in June 2019 but was postponed to accommodate updated design plans.
Established in 1984, Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC operates the historic Colombo property and remains listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange. The company’s majority shareholder is UAE-based conglomerate Galadari Brothers Co. LLC, which holds a 63.57 percent stake and maintains interests across hospitality, media, retail and real estate sectors throughout the Middle East and South Asia.
Although management responsibilities will transition to Radisson, ownership of the property remains with Galadari Hotels (Lanka) PLC, ensuring that the hotel retains its Sri Lankan identity and heritage while benefiting from the operational expertise and global reach of one of the world’s leading hospitality brands.
The rebranding to Radisson Blu Hotel, Galadari Colombo represents one of the most significant developments in Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector in recent years and is expected to strengthen Colombo’s position as a premier destination for international business and leisure travellers.
The fully renovated property is expected to relaunch by the second quarter of 2026, ushering in a new chapter for one of Colombo’s most recognizable hotels.
