By Yakuta DawoodSri Lanka’s first floating agro tourism resort, the Bolagala Floating Resort in Negombo, which is being developed by former cricketer Tillakaratne Dilshan and local entrepreneur Kalum Perera, has completed 80-85% of its construction despite pandemic challenges. Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, a representative of the resort stated that the remaining construction was expected to be completed within the next few months and would start operations from July 2022. “Around 80-85% of the construction is done with certain matters yet to be finalised; with the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic there are some restrictions on imports,” the representative said.The representative further stated that given the present situation in the country, it had been difficult to confirm the date of the opening. However, when asked for more information on investments received so far, the official refused to divulge it. The agro-tourism theme resort will feature around 50 floating cabanas which are designed to meet the standard of luxury travellers. From this, 10 cabanas have been equipped with GPS trackers enabling them to move freely across the lake, while three are designed as suites.In addition to this, the resort features an underwater spa experience, floating pool, floating restaurant and bar, a fully-equipped gym, a tennis court, a karaoke bar, an electric car and an organic farm to provide all visitors with an overall experience.With reference to the official website, it is mentioned that developer Perera believed that the 200-acre land, which was abandoned and never used, could be constructed into a resort that could generate income and provide a livelihood to the local community. Investors were invited to be part of the operation in 2018. As per the statement issued by the firm, buyers can invest in 40 cabanas starting from Rs. 6.5 million and seven other cabanas equipped with GPS tracking devices at Rs. 8 million.“All buyers will be entitled to a payment of Rs. 100,000 monthly. Further, the buyers will be awarded 50% of the total sales of all cabanas each month,” the statement mentioned.It is also stated that the agreement with the company and cabana owners would be for a period of 25 years. During this time, the buyer will have ownership of all interior furniture and equipment of the floating cabana.“The owner has the right to sell a cabana after 10 years of purchase if it’s agreed by both parties. The cabana owner also has the full liberty to sell the owned cabana following two years from the purchase date through a company lawyer,” the statement added.
