Sri Lanka, China combine for new broadcast tower

Rebecca Hawkes ©RapidTVNews | 04-01-2012

A new 350 metre high communications tower is to grace the skyline of Colombo, following a deal signed by the Sri Lankan Government and China on 3 January.

The tower will host 50 television services providers, 50 broadcasting service providers and 10 telecommunications service providers – having a major impact on the nation's communication and information technology sectors, according to Sri Lanka's Telecommunications Regulatory Commission Director General Anusha Pelpita.

The 11 story Lotus Tower Building and its accompanying Leisure Garden is reportedly set to become the tallest tower in South Asia and the 19th tallest tower in the world.

The tower, which will feature a revolving restaurant and reception area for 1,000 people, will be built on a 3.03 hectare site, following recent approval by the Sri Lankan Cabinet.

Construction will be completed in 30 months' time at a cost of US$100 million. The project will be funded by the Exim Bank of China.