Work has begun on two resorts in Sri Lanka - both of which will be operated by Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.

The first of the two properties to open will be Shangri-La Hambantota Resort and Spa on the southern coast of the island (in 2014), followed by Shangri-La Hotel Colombo in the country's capital (in 2015).

The 315-room Hambantota Resort and Spa will be surrounded by an 18-hole golf course and facilities include CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La; a dive centre; two restaurants; and a 30m swimming pool.

CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La will comprise ten treatment rooms, a beauty salon and a health club.

Massages and treatments will be based on traditional natural healing methods found in Asian cultures - including the Chinese theory of the "Five Elements".

At the 661-bedroom Shangri-La Hotel Colombo, leisure facilities will include a spa with eight treatment rooms; a health and fitness club; an outdoor 25m swimming pool and two outdoor tennis courts.

The hotel's wide range of restaurant concepts will feature a sushi bar, steakhouse, seafood market, Indian restaurant, Islamic restaurant as well as a sky lounge on the top floor.

According to a Shangri-La spokesperson, the Sri Lankan properties will be fully integrated into the local community from the very beginning, offering employment opportunities and infrastructural support.

In addition, both properties will adopt Embrace - Shangri-La's Care for People Project - and will work with local children's organisations on health or education programmes over a long-term period in areas such as school materials, infrastructure improvement, hygiene and nutrition.

Greg Dogan, president and CEO of Shangri-La said: "Sri Lanka is a country of unsurpassed natural beauty and rich in cultural heritage. Both Shangri-La hotels strategically fit into the group's ongoing expansion plans to link the Indian subcontinent and our South East Asia developments."