46-storey luxury residential tower begins its journey as an architectural tribute to Sri Lanka’s 1996 Cricket World Cup champions

Construction of the 46-storey 96 Legends Square has officially commenced in Battaramulla, marking the beginning of a landmark luxury residential development inspired by Sri Lanka’s historic 1996 Cricket World Cup victory. The tower will be supported by 96 symbolic foundation piles, while its exclusive residential floors will carry the names of members of the championship-winning team.

Construction work on 96 Legends Square, an ambitious new luxury residential development celebrating one of Sri Lanka’s greatest sporting achievements, has officially commenced with a ceremonial piling event in Battaramulla.

Developed by Wills Realtors (Pvt) Ltd, the project combines contemporary urban living with the national pride, unity and enduring legacy created by Sri Lanka’s unforgettable Cricket World Cup victory in 1996.

The commencement ceremony was held at No. 202, Denzil Kobbekaduwa Mawatha, Battaramulla, bringing together members of the project team, consultants, construction partners, distinguished guests and members of Sri Lanka’s celebrated 1996 World Cup-winning squad.

Construction moves from vision to physical reality

The commencement of piling marks an important transition for 96 Legends Square as the development moves from planning and design into physical construction.

Piling is one of the most important stages in developing a high-rise building. It creates the deep structural foundation required to support the weight of the tower and transfer it safely into the ground.

For 96 Legends Square, however, this foundation has been given an additional symbolic meaning.

Exactly 96 foundation piles will be used to support the tower, connecting the physical foundation of the building with the year Sri Lanka reached the pinnacle of international cricket.

This carefully planned feature allows the development’s World Cup inspiration to begin below ground and continue through its residential floors, lifestyle areas and overall architectural identity.

World Cup champions attend the historic milestone

Members of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning team, led by former captain Arjuna Ranatunga, attended the ceremonial piling event.

Their presence created a powerful connection between the project and the historic achievement that inspired it.

The 1996 team became a symbol of national unity, confidence, determination and excellence. Its victory changed Sri Lanka’s position in world cricket while creating a proud memory that continues to unite Sri Lankans across generations and throughout the global diaspora.

Representatives of Wills Realtors, project consultants, Nawaloka Piling, the project’s piling partner, and Aadithya Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, the construction partner, also participated in the ceremony.

Their involvement marked the formal beginning of the structural work required to transform the project’s distinctive concept into a major new residential landmark.

96 Legends Square at a glance

A sporting legacy built into the tower

What distinguishes 96 Legends Square from a conventional residential tower is the way Sri Lanka’s cricketing heritage has been incorporated throughout the identity of the development.

The exclusive residential floors are planned to be named after members of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup-winning team, creating a lasting vertical tribute to the players who made history for the country.

This concept extends considerably beyond the project’s name.

From the 96 piles forming its structural foundation to the floors commemorating individual players, the development has been designed to keep the memory of the historic World Cup victory alive within a modern residential environment.

For future residents, 96 Legends Square aims to offer more than a prestigious property address. It presents an opportunity to become part of a development connected to one of the most significant moments in Sri Lankan sporting history.

A range of luxury residences

The 46-storey tower is planned to feature a curated combination of two-bedroom, three-bedroom and four-bedroom residences, together with exclusive penthouses.

These different residential configurations are intended to accommodate professionals, families and buyers seeking larger premium homes within the Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte and Battaramulla area.

According to information published by the development, the apartments will focus on spacious living, contemporary elegance and premium finishes.

Selected residences are also expected to offer elevated views across the city, the Diyawanna Lake surroundings and the wider capital region.

The development may also attract interest from eligible overseas Sri Lankan buyers seeking a modern property that provides both residential value and a meaningful connection to Sri Lanka’s national heritage.

Lifestyle, wellness and everyday convenience

A comprehensive selection of lifestyle and recreational facilities has been planned for residents of 96 Legends Square.

The proposed sports and wellness facilities include an adults’ swimming pool, children’s pool, modern gymnasium and rooftop jogging track. These facilities are intended to support exercise, relaxation and healthier everyday living within the development.

Social and community facilities are expected to include a banquet hall, clubhouse, coffee shop and children’s play area.

These spaces will provide opportunities for residents to meet, celebrate important occasions and develop a stronger sense of community.

A supermarket, reception area, concierge services and an on-site management office are also planned to support residents’ daily requirements and provide a convenient high-rise living experience.

From World Cup legacy to residential landmark

A prominent location in Battaramulla

Located in Battaramulla within the wider Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte area, 96 Legends Square occupies a prominent position close to Sri Lanka’s administrative capital.

Battaramulla has developed into an increasingly important residential and commercial destination, supported by government institutions, educational facilities, hospitals, business centres and connections to other areas of Greater Colombo.

The area’s lakes, green surroundings and proximity to the Parliament precinct also provide a distinctive environment compared with many of Colombo’s more densely developed locations.

For 96 Legends Square, this location supports the project’s ambition to combine luxury high-rise living with accessibility, natural views and a strong sense of national identity.

More than a conventional property development

Luxury residential projects are commonly promoted through their architecture, facilities, location and investment potential.

However, 96 Legends Square introduces another dimension by connecting its property concept with a story recognised and celebrated by Sri Lankans around the world.

The 1996 World Cup victory remains one of Sri Lanka’s proudest sporting moments. It demonstrated how confidence, teamwork, discipline and determination could carry the country to the highest level of international competition.

By incorporating that story into the project’s name, foundation and residential floors, the development seeks to establish an emotional connection extending beyond the physical value of an apartment.

The commencement of piling is therefore more than a conventional construction milestone. It represents the beginning of an architectural tribute intended to preserve an important national legacy for future generations.

The SLD perspective

96 Legends Square demonstrates how a historic Sri Lankan achievement can inspire a modern development with both local relevance and international appeal.

The long-term success of the project will depend on construction quality, regulatory compliance, transparent communication and the successful delivery of the promised residential experience.

Nevertheless, its World Cup-inspired concept gives the development a highly distinctive identity within Sri Lanka’s competitive luxury property market.

The participation of Arjuna Ranatunga and members of the 1996 World Cup-winning team at the piling ceremony further strengthened the relationship between the development and the achievement it seeks to honour.

Sri Lanka Directory congratulates the 96 Legends Square development team on the official commencement of construction and recognises this milestone as an ambitious effort to preserve Sri Lanka’s cricketing heritage through a new architectural landmark.

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