Sri Lanka airport transit facilities boosted: state airline

Sept 20, 2010 (LBO) - Facilities for transit passengers in Sri Lanka's international airport at Katunayake has been boosted with a 24-room hotel, which is under the management of state-run SriLankan airlines, the national carrier said. The airport has eight rooms with double beds, and eight rooms with a single deb and an attached bathroom. Each room has a flat screen TV with a flight information channel.

The hotel, named 'Serenediva', has four grades of rooms, a business centre, a spa and a jacuzzi, is managed by SriLankan Catering, a unit of the state airline.

"Our transit hotel is a showcase of the country to transit visitors," Sarath Fernando, chief executive of SriLankan Catering Sarath Fernando said in a statement.

"The name ˜Serenediva’ itself is intended to evoke a vision of the isle of Serendib, to subtly persuade visitors to return for a longer visit."

The hotel has wall hangings and murals depicting interesting sights in the island, is decorated with local handicrafts, local fruits, flowers and spices, which visitors can see, touch and smell, the statement said.

Eight shower rooms are also provided.