Citrus Leisure PLC, in a groundbreaking collaboration with Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company, proudly unveiled Sri Lanka’s first-ever revolving restaurant, ‘Blue Orbit,’ on the 27th floor of the majestic Colombo Lotus Tower, South Asia’s tallest self-supported structure. Two landmark launch events were held on the 09 and 10 December to mark this significant milestone in the culinary landscape of Colombo and the restaurant has now opened its doors to guests. The grand opening of Blue Orbit was a spectacular affair attended by many dignitaries including Mr. Dinesh Weerakkody, Chairman of the Board of Investment and an array of leaders from the corporate sector, diplomats, tourism officials and travel industry representatives, and state officials.
This event was not just a celebration of a new dining venue but a testament to the innovative spirit of Citrus Leisure. The restaurant’s design, inspired by the orbiting paths of space objects and spacecraft, seamlessly integrates with a celestial theme, creating an ambiance that is both elegant and ethereal. The Blue Orbit restaurant navigates the circumference of the Lotus Tower, allowing diners spectacular views of Colombo’s cityscape and the sparkling seas beyond. The highlight of the launch were breathtaking fireworks displays on both nights, perfectly synchronized to be at eye level with the restaurant, adding a touch of magic to the already mesmerizing atmosphere. This spectacle was a fitting climax to what was truly a grand opening.
The attendees at the launch were treated to an exclusive preview of what Blue Orbit has to offer – a delectable culinary journey that explores a range of cuisine from around the world. The restaurant boasts lunch and dinner buffets that feature an impressive selection of seven different types of cuisines, including Western, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Arabic, and traditional Sri Lankan, delivering a palate-pleasing experience for every guest.
Adding to its allure, Blue Orbit features eight different action stations, each offering a unique culinary adventure. Among these is a specially designed kids’ corner so that even the youngest guests have an enjoyable and memorable dining experience. The restaurant is capable of catering to 225 guests at any given time and will operate from 11 am to 11 pm, with a lunch service from 11.30 am to 3.30 pm and two dinner sittings, the first from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and the second from 9pm to 11.30pm.
In addition to Blue Orbit, Citrus Leisure also unveiled ‘Cosmic,’ the tallest banquet venue in South Asia, majestically situated at 751 feet above the ground on the 26th floor of the Colombo Lotus Tower. With a seating capacity of 350 guests, Cosmic stands as an unparalleled venue for weddings and corporate events, offering specially curated menus and an unforgettable experience against the backdrop of Colombo’s stunning skyline.
Major General Prasad Samarasinghe (Retd), CEO of the Colombo Lotus Tower Management Company Pvt Ltd, stated, “A year ago, many viewed this project as a white elephant, but today, the Colombo Lotus Tower stands not only as a monumental attraction but also as a significant revenue generator. This collaboration with Citrus Leisure for Blue Orbit and Cosmic is more than just about elevated dining; it’s a fusion of tradition with innovation, mirroring the spirit of Sri Lanka’s progress and our commitment to showcasing our nation’s potential on a global stage. I invite guests to explore the new options at Lotus Tower; we have many such milestones planned ahead to maintain this momentum and excitement.”
Chandana Talwatte, CEO of Citrus Leisure PLC, remarked, “At Citrus Leisure, we are dedicated to crafting dining experiences that are not just meals, but cherished lifelong memories. It is our honour to add an exciting dimension to Colombo’s tourism appeal; we have no doubt that Blue Orbit in particular will become a feature on the Must-Do tourism experiences of Colombo. At Blue Orbit and Cosmic, we invite our guests to immerse themselves in culinary excellence, enjoy the unrivaled ambiance, and experience impeccable service. These venues offer more than just a meal; they provide a unique opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree views of Colombo and beyond, encapsulating the essence of our commitment to luxury and innovation.”