Canowin Hotels Owns Welipenna Service Area – A Government-Backed Green Hub on the Southern Expressway
Amid heated political debates and public curiosity, the true owner of the Welipenna Service Area on Sri Lanka’s Southern Expressway has been officially confirmed: Canowin Hotels & Spas (Pvt) Ltd, a fully government-owned entity.
Canowin Hotels is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation (SLIC), which itself falls under the purview of the Ministry of Finance. In fact, 99.97% of SLIC’s shares are held by the Secretary to the Treasury, making the operations of Canowin Arcade a fully state-controlled venture.
Launched on December 6, 2012, the Canowin Arcade was built to be Asia’s first “Green Rest Area”, promoting sustainability along with convenience. The land — 3.57 hectares — is leased from the Road Development Authority (RDA) under long-term contracts ranging from 30 to 99 years.
Canowin Arcade offers a wide range of services including:
- 24/7 security and janitorial services
- Waste management and fuel supply
- Electric vehicle (EV) charging stations
- Energy-efficient lighting and proposed solar energy systems
- Retail and dining: Featuring 46 shops, including international brands like Subway, leased to both local and global partners
Despite the economic downturns and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canowin Hotels & Spas has remained financially stable, even paying dividends to its parent company, SLIC. Its contribution to the national economy and employment sector has been formally recognized in the SLIC’s latest 288-page annual report.
So, while political narratives rage, the ownership of Welipenna’s service area is not shrouded in mystery — it is an example of a government-run, green infrastructure model that combines sustainability, service, and state-backed investment.
About the Author
