A significant new landmark has been added to Colombo’s commercial skyline with the official opening of the Nippon Office Building, a state-of-the-art office development commissioned by the Sasakawa Memorial Sri Lanka–Japan Cultural Centre Trust.
Located at No. 85, Ward Place, Colombo 07, the Rs. 3 billion development represents one of the most notable commercial property investments unveiled in the capital in recent years. The project was designed by Design Consortium International Ltd. (DCIL), under the leadership of Principal Architect Migara Alwis, and showcases a blend of contemporary architecture, advanced engineering, and sustainability-focused design.
The building comprises three basement levels, a ground floor, and ten upper floors, providing a modern office environment designed to meet the evolving needs of businesses and professionals. Construction commenced with piling works in June 2022, while the main construction phase began in January 2024.
Designed as a next-generation workplace, the Nippon Office Building incorporates advanced building technologies, flexible spatial planning, and environmentally responsible features aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, occupant comfort, and long-term sustainability.
One of the project’s most distinctive characteristics is its unique architectural form, which was developed in response to the geometry of the site and the surrounding urban context. The structure combines reinforced concrete and structural steel systems, while its façade integrates steel elements with high-performance energy-efficient glazing to optimise both aesthetics and environmental performance.
The project also features sophisticated mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems that contribute to reduced energy consumption and improved building performance over its lifecycle.
DCIL brought together multidisciplinary expertise spanning architecture, civil and structural engineering, mechanical and electrical engineering, quantity surveying, and project management to deliver the integrated development.
The opening ceremony is attended by Yohei Sasakawa, Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, Akio Isomata, Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. The project is expected to establish a new benchmark for sustainable and innovative office developments in Sri Lanka while further strengthening the longstanding ties between Sri Lanka and Japan.
