Belluna Lanka Pvt Ltd., the South Asian branch of Belluna Co. Ltd., Japan, has partnered with Sanken Overseas (Private) Limited to officially launch Project Granbell Hotel Ella. This hospitality development is set to take place in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province, marking a significant investment of approximately LKR 4 billion (USD 12.5 million). This initiative underscores Belluna Lanka’s commitment to strategic, long-term hospitality projects in emerging destinations within Sri Lanka.
Granbell Ella will be a part of the established Granbell hotel portfolio by the Belluna Group, which includes multiple locations in Japan as well as the Granbell Hotel Colombo and Le Grand Galle in Sri Lanka. This project embodies the brand’s focus on location-driven, experience-centric hospitality, backed by Belluna’s extensive international presence in hospitality and service-oriented developments. Their global footprint includes properties like The Westin Maldives, managed by Marriott International, and over 26 hotels in Japan, highlighting the Group’s deep experience and expertise in the hospitality sector.
Sanken Overseas, the international construction division of Sanken Group, brings its vast expertise in hospitality investments and developments, having worked with renowned global and regional brands such as JW Marriott, Alila, Amari, Cinnamon Hotels, and Hayleys Leisure, across Sri Lanka and the Maldives. For the Granbell Ella project, Sanken Overseas will act as both a co-investor and turnkey contractor, adding to its impressive portfolio in Sri Lanka.
The Granbell Ella is planned as a 60-key hotel development, emerging from a joint venture between Belluna Lanka, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Belluna Co. Ltd., Japan, and Sanken Overseas. Situated near Ella Town and the Ella Railway Station, the project is designed to harmonize with its natural and cultural environment. Proposed amenities include an open-air heated jacuzzi, swimming pool, spa services, outdoor restaurant, gym, and sauna, all thoughtfully integrated into the surrounding landscape.
Construction is anticipated to commence in mid-2026, with the project completion aimed for 2028. The development timeline considers architectural, operational, and environmental aspects meticulously.
Reyhan Morris, Managing Director of Belluna Lanka, commented, “Ella is a destination that demands moderation and respect. Granbell Ella reflects our belief 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.”
Mevan Gunatilleke, Managing Director of Sanken Overseas, 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 travelers. 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.”
The architectural design for Granbell Ella continues Belluna Lanka’s long-established collaboration with PWA Architects, led by Philip Weeraratne, ensuring contextual design sensitivity and disciplined scale consistent with the group’s existing portfolio.
Supported by Belluna Co. Ltd., Japan, a Tokyo Stock Exchange–listed company with diversified global investments, Belluna Lanka is expanding its footprint across Sri Lanka and the region through projects that balance technical rigor, contextual design, and sustained operational value. Granbell Ella represents the company’s latest endeavor to extend this philosophy into Sri Lanka’s hill country, reinforcing confidence in the country’s evolving hospitality landscape.
