SriLankan Airlines has commissioned its luxurious new “Serendib Lounge” for the use of Business Class passengers at the Bandaranaike International Airport, adding yet another dimension to the National Carrier’s efforts to make Colombo the preferred hub of South Asia.

“I think our Business Class travellers will agree that this lounge is certainly very impressive. The Bandaranaike International Airport is improving every day, and we at SriLankan are closely supporting the work of the government in developing its facilities,” said Peter Hill, CEO of SriLankan Airlines.

The Serendib Lounge was ceremonially commissioned by Peter Hill, CEO of SriLankan Airlines, Dilip Nijhawan, CEO of SriLankan Catering Services Ltd, M.L.A.M. Hisbullah, Chairman of Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd, Asoka Hettigoda, Managing Director of Hettigoda Group, Nigel O’Shea, Head of Service Delivery at the National Carrier, and Shalitha Wijesundera, Executive Director of AASL, on 17th May.

“We are constantly seeking ways of improving our product, and this new Business Class lounge adds yet another dimension to our services that our passengers can enjoy,” added Mr. Hill.

BIA is in the midst of a rapid expansion programme that has already seen the addition of a new Arrivals area, Immigration area, and Duty Free Complex. Eight air-bridges are due to be completed later this year, which would further increase efficiency at an airport that has seen a continuous increase in flights and number of airlines since 2001.

"The Serendib Lounge is designed to be an oasis of calm amid the hustle and bustle of the busy airport that BIA is becoming," noted Nigel O'Shea, Head of Service Delivery at SriLankan. "We required a world-class lounge to provide the best transit experience for our upmarket passengers, and the Serendib Lounge certainly fits the bill. Its ambience and facilities are on par with or better than other business class lounges in the region. With this lounge, we look forward to giving all our travellers the best of service.”

The lounge is for the use of Business Class passengers of both SriLankan Airlines and its strategic partner Emirates. It replaces the older Serendib and Peacock lounges that SriLankan operated earlier.

The new lounge, which can accommodate approximately 150 passengers, provides a panoramic view of the airport's apron, with a floor to ceiling viewing glass. The finest cuisine, prepared by SriLankan Catering Services, is on offer with full meals and both hot and cold foods being available on a buffet at the café. There's also a full range of beverages including beer on tap and a selection of specialty teas and coffees.

The lounge includes the latest in luxury such as specially designed armchairs that recline and swivel, four separate rest areas with fully reclining Lazy Boy armchairs for passengers with longer transit times, showers, general seating, and a separate smokers’ room. For entertainment, there are two theatre-style giant TV screens with individual headphones at each seat. A unique feature is the Siddhalepa massage service that is provided by the Hettigoda Group.

The lounge also provides convenient communications facilities including a phone booth and personal computers with Internet access. Unusual photos of Sri Lanka adorn the walls. A small fountain and flower displays at the entrance lend an added touch of serenity next to the reception. The concept, design and project management of the lounge was carried out by architect Anton Jacob, with the involvement of the Properties & Facilities Department of SriLankan.

SriLankan Airlines has been increasing its services throughout the Asian region, and recently announced a further stepping up of operations throughout 2005, adding frequencies to a host of Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Southeast Asian destinations. SriLankan offers rapid connections to destinations throughout Europe, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Far East, and prides itself on providing the shortest possible transit time through Colombo.

Media Relations Section
Corporate Communications Division
SriLankan Airlines

June 13th, 2005