A Symbol of Beauty and Progress
Colombo Lotus Tower, situated on D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha (McCallum Road) in Colombo 10, stands tall and proud at a height of 350 meters. This lotus-shaped tower, unveiled on September 16, 2019, holds the distinction of being the tallest completed tower in South Asia, second only to India’s INS Kattabomman. It also ranks as the 11th tallest tower in Asia and the 19th tallest in the world. Its prominence across Colombo and its suburbs makes it a landmark visible from afar.
A Tower of Many Facets
The Colombo Lotus Tower serves a variety of purposes, including observation, communication, and leisure activities. Inside, you’ll find a telecommunications museum, a hotel, restaurants, an auditorium, and an observation deck. It primarily functions as a hub for radio, television, and telecom transmission, with a secondary role in tourism and entertainment. From its summit, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city of Colombo.
Symbolic Significance of the Design
Inspired by the purity of the lotus flower, the tower’s design resembles a blossoming lotus. In Buddhist philosophy, the lotus is a symbol of purity and reflects the country’s continual growth and development. The tower’s base draws inspiration from the lotus throne, a significant symbol in Buddhism and the life of Lord Buddha.
Architectural Marvel and Convenience
The construction of the Colombo Lotus Tower was generously funded by the People’s Republic of China. Its strategic location on the waterfront of Beira Lake in the heart of Colombo adds to its accessibility and commercial appeal. The tower boasts 13 floors, 8 elevators, and a capacious parking area accommodating over 200 vehicles. Notably, it is home to the fastest elevator in South Asia.
Layout and Interior
The tower comprises four key sections: the Mast, Tower House, Tower Body/Tower Shaft, and Tower Base/Tower Podium. With four entrances, including two VIP entrances, the tower’s access is strictly controlled by floor-specific access cards. Each floor offers unique features and services:
Tower Base/ Tower Podium
- Basement floor: Distribution room, diesel generator room, kitchen, refrigeration plant room, domestic water pool, and pump room.
- 1st floor: Entrance hall, VIP lounges, and shopping area.
- 2nd floor: Telecom museum, folk custom museum, exhibition hall, and visitor area.
- 3rd floor: Meeting center and administration office of the tower.
- 4th floor (Roof floor of the Tower Podium): Water tank room and staircase.
Tower Body/ Tower Shaft
- The Tower Body/Tower Shaft rises 200 meters and houses 8 elevators, along with stairs for those who prefer a more active ascent. The elevators include 3 high-speed, 2 medium-speed, and 3 slow-speed options.
Tower House
- 1st floor: TV transmitter plant and control rooms.
- 2nd floor: Radio transmitter plant and control rooms.
- 3rd floor: Banquet hall.
- 4th floor: Spacious banquet hall accommodating up to 1000 guests.
- 5th floor: A revolving restaurant.
- 6th floor: VIP rooms.
- 7th floor: Open-air observation deck, the world’s first of its kind on a tower.
- 8th floor: A/C outdoor plant room and elevator plant room.
The Mast
- The Mast is divided into four sections housing TV, FM, and other telecommunication antennas for television services, FM radio stations, and telecommunication service providers.
A Kaleidoscope of Colors
As day turns to night, the lotus petals of the tower house come alive, illuminated by approximately 20,000 LED bulbs. The tower mesmerizes visitors with its changing hues, transitioning smoothly between pink and light yellow, thanks to a special glass coating. Moreover, during festive seasons, the tower dons appropriate decorations, adding to its beauty and charm.
Getting to the Colombo Lotus Tower
To reach the magnificent Colombo Lotus Tower, head west on McCallum Road from Colombo towards Kovil Veediya.
(Note: The original article contained external links, contact information, and unrelated details that have been omitted in compliance with the requirements.)
