Secretary Defence declared opens TGI Friday's

Famous TGI Friday's flagship restaurant was opened ceremonially for public at the Canal Raw, Colombo-Fort adding a different tourist attraction venue in the city yest Last week The yesterday's opening ceremony was graced by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa as the Chief Guest.

Secretary Defence was accompanied by Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa, Chairperson of the Seva Vanitha Unit, Ministry of Defence and Urban Development.

Cargills (Ceylon) PLC has entered into a development agreement with world renowned TGI Friday's Restaurant chain as the exclusive franchisee chain in Sri Lanka.

TGI Friday is a member of the US based Carlson Group. The Carlson Group operates over 900 TGI Friday's restaurants around the world in over 60 countries. Carlson is a global hospitality company having presence in 150 countries, operating over 1,300 hotels including Radisson Blu, Radisson and Park Plaza etc. The chain is known for its appearance, with red-striped canopies, brass railings, tiffany lamps and frequent use of antiques as decor. The company asserts that TGI stands for "Thank God It's Friday".

The renowned restaurant was opened in a classy archaic building which was renovated and developed by Cargills (Ceylon) PLC under the directives of Urban Development Authority. Along with the refurbishment project, old colonial era buildings situated in Chatham Street and Canal Raw in Colombo Fort were developed while taking special care to retain and preserve its original architectural value.

Centrally located in the financial district close to the world class in the city consist with old charm would definitely make it a popular dining venue especially for tourists. The inspiration and the drive of renovating such precious structures to eye-catching restaurants were flourished with the Colombo development drive.

Ministry officials, Members of the Cargills Ceylon PLC, Chairperson of the Urban Development Authority Mr. Nimal Perera, foreign diplomats and a large distinguished gathering were present.