“A vision” whispered the wind through the skyscrapers. The World Trade Center 2 Colombo stands tall. A testament to ambition and resilience.
This isn’t just a building. It’s a symbol. The World Trade Center Colombo a twin tower marvel. It rose from the ashes of conflict. It’s a story of dreams dared. Dreams realized against all odds.
Shing Pee Tao a Singaporean entrepreneur had a vision. He saw potential in this land. He acquired Overseas Realty Ceylon PLC. They owned the undeveloped Echelon Square. That’s where the World Trade Center Colombo now stands. Construction began in September 1992. The project cost 130 million US dollars. It was completed in 1996. The grand opening was on October 12 1997. President Chandrika Kumaratunga officially opened it.
But the path wasn’t smooth. The World Trade Center 2 Colombo faced adversity. In January 1996 a suicide bombing near the Central Bank shook Colombo. The World Trade Center Colombo was under construction then. It suffered some damage but the worst was yet to come.
Three days after its opening another attack. A truck bomb exploded near the hotel. The western tower was damaged. The LTTE the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam claimed responsibility. They targeted Sri Lanka’s tallest building. A symbol of the nation’s economy. The World Trade Center 2 Colombo remained standing. Its innovative construction saved it. High-strength precast panels. They formed the building’s cellate structure. The building was fully restored in six months. It reopened in June 1998.
Today the World Trade Center 2 Colombo houses the Colombo Stock Exchange. The Securities Exchange Commission also resides there. Asian Broadcasting Corporation broadcasts from here. Hiru TV and several radio stations including GOLD FM are here. The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka also calls this place home.
The World Trade Center 2 Colombo is a beacon. It shows Sri Lanka’s strength. It’s a reminder of the enduring human spirit. It’s a story of triumph over tragedy. A breathtaking example of modern architecture. And a symbol of hope.