Belluna Lanka, Sanken Overseas launch Rs. 4 b Granbell Ella proj.

Belluna Lanka Pvt. Ltd., the South Asian arm of Japan’s Belluna Co. Ltd., has partnered with Sanken Overseas (Private) Limited to launch Project Granbell Ella, a planned Rs. 4 billion, or approximately $ 12.5 million, hospitality development in Sri Lanka’s Uva province.

The 60-key hotel will be developed as a joint venture between Belluna Lanka, a wholly owned subsidiary of Belluna Co. Ltd., and Sanken Overseas, which will serve as both co-investor and turnkey contractor. Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-2026, with completion targeted for 2028.

Located near Ella Town and the Ella Railway Station, the project is designed to integrate with its natural and cultural surroundings. Planned amenities include an open-air heated jacuzzi, swimming pool, spa services, outdoor restaurant, gym, and sauna.

Granbell Ella will form part of the Belluna Group’s Granbell hotel portfolio, which operates across multiple destinations in Japan and includes Granbell Hotel Colombo and Le Grand Galle in Sri Lanka. The group also has an international presence in markets such as the United States and the Maldives, including The Westin Maldives managed by Marriott International, and owns and manages more than 26 hotels in Japan.

Sanken Overseas, the international construction arm of the Sanken Group, has been involved in hospitality developments operated by global and regional brands including JW Marriott, Alila, Amari, Cinnamon Hotels, and Hayleys Leisure across Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The Ella project marks a further addition to its local portfolio.

Belluna Lanka Managing Director Reyhan Morris said: “Ella is a destination that demands moderation and respect. Granbell Ella reflects our conviction that long-term sustainability, appropriate scale, and location sensitivity must guide hospitality development. This project aligns closely with the Government of Sri Lanka’s broader tourism objectives, including regional economic growth, employment creation, and long-term value generation for local communities. It is an investment driven by quality and experience rather than volume.”

Sanken Overseas Managing Director Mevan Gunatilleke added: “Ella has grown organically as a destination over the past decade. We believe the time is right for carefully selected branded hospitality developments that appeal to discerning travellers. Granbell Ella represents a long-term investment that brings together Belluna’s proven hospitality expertise and Sanken Overseas’ development capabilities to create enduring value for the region.”

Architectural design will be undertaken by PWA Architects, led by Philip Weeraratne, continuing Belluna Lanka’s collaboration with the firm on contextual and scale-sensitive projects.

SOURCE - THE MORNING