Lotus to embrace bungee jumping

• Owners reveal plans up their sleeves 
• Increased safety measures in place

The owners of the Colombo Lotus Tower have plans up their sleeves to introduce the globally popular extreme adventure sport known as bungee jumping from 2026, in a further bid to make the iconic structure more appealing to both local and foreign tourists.

This was revealed to the press by Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company Chairperson Shirantha Peiris during a media briefing held on Tuesday (23). The firm oversees the operations of the Tower since October, 2024,

Peiris stated that the much-sought-after sport, once introduced, to what he termed as ‘South Asia’s premier destination for culture, education, technology, adventure and entertainment,’ will ensure the protection of those attempting to take the plunge.

“With regard to adventure sports, we are only going to be a part of the sports economy of this country,” he told reporters.

“This is only a commercial project, hence we are not going to the job of the Sports Ministry and I hope that is clear.” 

Bungee jumping involves controlled risk, specialised equipment and a high level of physical and psychological challenge, all designed to provide thrills to participants.

It is also often categorised alongside other adrenaline-pumping activities, such as skydiving and paragliding, due to its focus on overcoming personal challenge, while experiencing the excitement of free-falling and rebounding. 

It also involves competitors jumping from a great height while connected to a large elastic chord. 

The launching pad is usually erected on a tall structure while those who take the jump could see the chord stretching with the jumper able to fly upwards again as the chord recoils and it continues to oscillate up and down till all the kinetic energy dissipates. 

Peiris also said increased safety measures have been added to the Lotus Tower-built with an investment of $ 113 million, since the new management had taken office in October last year.

This, he stated, had been done particularly to the Observation Deck, following a tragic incident which saw a young girl losing her life also in late 2024.

“Since that unfortunate incident, we have taken increased measures to protect the public around the Observation Deck by installing a steel mesh barrier without hindering the viewing experience for the public,” he pointed out.

“Furthermore, security personnel have been increased and CCTV surveillance has also been expanded encompassing key locations.”

Peiris-a household name in the domestic shooting sphere added that once bungee jumping is added to its growing list of attractions, the Lotus Tower would become a hotspot for visitors both local and overseas.

He added that once bungee jumping is introduced, it will probably further increase interest from locals for extreme adventure sports with adequate safety measures in place to minimise the aspects of risk and danger.

The Colombo Lotus Tower and the Singapore-based Go Bungy had signed a contract to start bungee jumping from the 350-metre high tower from 1 January, 2023 but the endeavour failed to get off the ground due to alterations sought by engineers to structural drawings.

 Source: The morning