Successfully Concludes Phase 1 of the Hilton Refurbishment Project

Colombo, Sri Lanka, May 2024 – S&T Interiors, Sri Lanka – a joint venture between Hayleys PLC and S&T Interiors, Oman, announced the completion of the 1st phase of the refurbishment of 192 guest rooms of the 253-guest room refurbishment project for the Hilton Colombo.

Drawing on the collective strength of their partnership, S&T Interiors leveraged their extensive experience in the refurbishment of operating hotels to set a new standard in hospitality transformations. The primary objective of this refurbishment initiative was to deliver a redefined and elevated guest experience that aligns seamlessly with Hilton’s renowned standards in the luxury segment. The meticulous execution of this project not only demonstrates the Company’s expertise but also underscores its profound understanding of the Hilton brand.

Head of Strategy & Finance, S&T Interiors, Chinthaka Jayathilaka stated: “We are pleased to announce the successful completion of Phase 1 of the Hilton refurbishment project, delivering the first set of guest rooms on time to our client, showcasing our mastery in this endeavour.”

Commenting on this achievement, Ruwan Waidyaratne, Managing Director of S & T Interiors, Sri Lanka and Executive Director of Hayleys PLC stated, “I am immensely proud of our team’s unwavering commitment to excellence. Our team’s dedication to excellence not only elevates the hospitality standards at Hilton Colombo but also enhances the country’s reputation as a premier destination for luxury travel.”

Throughout the refurbishment process, meticulous attention was paid to every detail, ensuring that each room exudes a sense of luxury and sophistication. From carefully selected furnishings to modern amenities, every aspect was curated to create a harmonious environment for guests to enjoy.

Chairman of Hilton Colombo, Upul Dharmadasa stated, “S&T Interiors has delivered cutting-edge services, combined with global design expertise, meeting all of Hilton’s brand standards. This aligns with my prime task of transforming Hilton Colombo into a highly profitable entity and facilitating the property to compete with all 5-star hotels in Colombo, as well as other new hotel brands expected to enter the market shortly. The renovated guest rooms would provide Hilton with a competitive edge, thanks to the latest and most sophisticated design and amenities, setting the pace for positioning Hilton as the leader in the market for business travel.

“The renovated guest rooms are a timely response to meet the growing demand amidst the swift recovery of the industry, thanks to the Government’s tireless efforts to facilitate tourism revival. Recognising its economic significance, these efforts offer opportunities to increase foreign exchange earnings. I commend the exceptional collaboration with S&T Interiors and their demonstration of proven service quality whilst ensuring uninterrupted hotel operations, and look forward to continuing to partner with them as we strive for excellence in hospitality.”

Chief Executive Officer of Hilton Colombo, Shamahil Mohideen noted, “We are delighted to have partnered with S&T Interiors and announce the successful completion of phase 1 in the refurbishment of our 253-room inventory at the Hilton Colombo. Drawing upon their extensive experience with renowned global brands, they have delivered a quality product acceptable to Hilton brand standards.”

As the project advances into its culminating phase, S&T Interiors steadfastly upholds its unwavering dedication to maintaining pinnacle standards of quality and craftsmanship.

S&T Interiors and Contracting is a leading turnkey contracting Company operating across 10 countries in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Established in 1977 in Oman, S&T has executed over 150 landmark projects for luxury hotels, villas, high-end residential, palaces and commercial complexes. The Company specialises in civil construction, interiors, procurement, joinery, and owns a state-of-the-art 25,000 sq. m joinery production facility in Oman. With headquarters in Oman, S&T Interiors and Contracting operates across the globe with offices in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, United Kingdom, Italy, France, India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Brunei. The Company has executed over 150 landmark projects in the luxury hospitality sector; with high-end residential and commercial projects including Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Oman; Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Abu Dhabi; Dubai International Airport Project Concourse 3A; Langham Hotel, London; J W Marriott, Bangalore.

Hayleys PLC, a centrepiece of the Sri Lankan economy, maintains a global presence across five regions with business interests spanning 16 diverse sectors. Contributing over $ 650 million of the country’s foreign earnings and 5.5% of the nation’s total export income, Hayleys is a champion of sustainable innovation and represents one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent success stories. The diversified conglomerate is currently assigned a National Long-Term Rating of ‘AAA’ (lka) by Fitch Ratings and is the only corporate to be awarded the nation’s Best Corporate Citizen on five occasions. S&T Interiors is also the interiors and contracting arm of the Advantis Group, a subsidiary of Hayleys PLC.