The Swiss chain said in a statement that it has secured a management deal to operate a 180-room hotel in a half an acre property next to Liberty Plaza in Colombo.

The 19-floor hotel, owned by Sri Lanka's SoftLogic Holdings, expected to open by mid-2013.

Andreas Mattmüller, chief operating officer of Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, Middle East and Asia, said the company is very excited about opening in Colombo, which is in line with its development strategy to secure projects in key Asian markets.

"It's a great opportunity to expand our presence in such an emerging travel destination," he said.

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, a hotel management company with over 12,000 employees, has over 90 hotels existing or under construction in 26 countries.