Wherever you travel in Colombo, an imposing structure taller than the Eifel Tower meets your eyes from whatever direction you look at it. In particular, when fully lit, it projects a majestic streak of bright colours. The tower has since attracted thousands of visitors. Tourists come to admire its breathtaking views and futuristic design. From its observation deck, one can witness panoramic vistas of Colombo’s cityscape. This view stretches across the Indian Ocean and beyond. Do you know what I am referring to here? Of course, I am referring to the Lotus Tower in Sri Lanka, which was the centre of many a controversy. In Sri Lanka, what is not a controversy?
Is Lotus Tower the tallest structure in South Asia?
Lotus Tower, also known as Nelum Kuluna, stands 350 meters (1,150 feet) tall and dominates Colombo’s skyline. Since its 2019 inauguration, it has become a mesmerizing landmark in modern Sri Lanka. When President Maithripala Sirisena opened it, the Lotus Tower became the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia. Interestingly, the second tallest structure in the region is India’s INS Kattabomman, a VLF transmission facility. Located in Tamil Nadu, the INS Kattabomman center mast measures 301 meters, making it 50 meters shorter than the Lotus Tower. As of 2024, the Lotus Tower remains South Asia’s tallest self-supported structure. In contrast, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, standing 828 meters tall, is the tallest in all of Asia. This iconic building opened in 2010 and continues to amaze with its sheer size.
What was the intended purpose of the Lotus Tower?
The picturesque Lotus Tower built on the banks of the Beira Lake was originally to be communication facility with a revolving observation deck. Uniquely, its purpose was also to be a tourist attraction with in-built leisure activities to lure locals looking for recreation. However, as of October 20, 2021, we can safely say that the Lotus Tower is not functioning for its original purpose.
The design
The design of this building takes inspiration from the Lotus flower, a popular native flower in rural Sri Lanka. In fact, the Lotus flower grows in the deep mud, far away from the sun. However, when the Lotus reaches the light, it becomes a beautiful flower to cherish. Meanwhile, the locals regard this flower as a symbol of purity.
By all accounts, the design of Lotus Tower is individualistic and projects its unique persona. Hence, the tower’s colour alternates between pink and light yellow with streaks of green in a smooth transition. Apart from the intended purposes of this structure, the tower projects a sense of purpose to the aspiring, modern upwardly mobile youthful Sri Lankans. Thus, this amazing tower is special not because of its height but also because of the technology and the facilities it provides. Meanwhile, when fully lit, it is an imposing sight in the middle of the busy business district.
What are the features of Colombo’s Lotus Tower?
As per the original plan, the structure has nine levels mainly for radio/television transmission facilities. Apart from that, there is space for dining rooms, event halls, and a lounge for around 250 guests. Uniquely, there’s a reception hall for around 280 guests and a revolving restaurant to accommodate 200 guests. Additionally, an outdoor observation deck is now fully operational. Likewise, the revolving restaurant takes around 90 minutes to complete one circle. Interestingly, this is a unique feature, as guests will not have the same view throughout their stay.
Furthermore, the outdoor observation deck is also fascinating because it reveals the magnificent sight of Colombo City at a height of around 245 meters. In like manner, the main spotlight of this structure is the Antenna Mast, which has a length of around 90 meters. Notably, this heavy steel structure can accommodate 20 television broadcasting companies, 50 FM broadcasters and telecom operators.
Little known facts of the Lotus Tower
- When the tower was declared open, it was South Asia’s tallest tower, costing over $100 million. As for funding, China allocated 80% of the initial estimate. This project came under China’s controversial Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
- Sri Lanka and China signed the Lotus Tower agreement in 2012 under the Chinese government’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to build the highest TV tower in South Asia, with China National Electronics Import and Export Corporation (CEIEC) being the general contractor.
- President Maithripala Sirisena decided to open the partially constructed tower to the public on September 16th, 2019, despite missing infrastructure.
- The project, which began in 2012 under the then-president Mahinda Rajapakse, faced numerous delays amid funding issues.
- The Lotus Tower is foreseen to be one of the significant landmarks and an epitome of the country’s economy, culture and development.
- The tower, which is expected to function as Sri Lanka’s ‘digital TV tower’, is built with fibre optic cables and is fully equipped with necessary telecommunication equipment.
Controversy
It also noted that the TRC paid $15.6 million (2 billion rupees) into CEIEC’s account in Exim Bank in October 2012, the same amount that Sirisena claims to have been “misappropriated” by ALIT. These statements by the former President did not go well with China, resulting in political mistrust between the two countries. Meanwhile, during this period, the then Sri Lankan Ambassador to China Dr Karunasena Kodituwakku did some damage control. Why? Because Sirisena’s unverified claims threatened to hurt Sri Lanka’s strong relations with China.