Cantonese restaurant opens in Colombo’s Kollupitiya, offering over 100 items

Cantonese restaurant Xi Yue Restaurant (05 Rotunda Gardens, Colombo 03) opened in Kollupitiya, Colombo, on September 16. Located in the heart of Colombo, where shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants abound, the restaurant aims to provide fusion-style Cantonese cuisine under the concept of “Where Tradition Meets Innovation.” The interior, with beige and brown as its primary colors and dark green accents, creates a tranquil atmosphere. The dining area, equipped with both large and small tables, is laid out with ample space between seating. The menu primarily consists of a la carte dishes, such as chicken, beef, pork, duck, lamb, seafood, and vegetables, offering over 100 items. The lineup includes Salt and Pepper Spare Ribs, Salt-Baked Chicken Legs, Pork Dumplings with Chinese Leeks and Mushrooms, Spring Rolls, Seafood Noodles, Wonton Noodles, Mapo Tofu, Steamed Crab, and more, with prices ranging from 300 to 9,880 rupees. Dim sum options include Shrimp Shumai (Rs. 1,080 for three pieces), Fried Dumplings (Rs. 1,380), Signature Shrimp Dumpling King (Rs. 1,580 for three), and Steamed Pork Ribs (Rs. 1,200), among others. Lunch set menus and exclusive member sets are also available. Opening hours: 10:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

Pakistani restaurant opens in Colombo 05 – Menu revamped for a fresh start

On September 15, the Pakistani restaurant Kafé Karachi (343 Park Road, Colombo 05) opened in Havelock Town, Colombo 05. Established in 1998 in Bambalapitiya, the restaurant gained popularity for serving the regional dish Sindi Biryani from Pakistan’s Sindh province in an authentic style, with chefs brought in from Karachi, the provincial capital. Although the restaurant had been temporarily closed in recent years, it has now relocated to Havelock Town for a fresh start. The new restaurant features colorful bus art on the entrance wall. The interior has a retro ambiance reminiscent of Colombo in the 1990s with wooden furniture, hexagonal floor tiles, and vintage artwork. The revamped menu focuses on Pakistani street food, including Roll Paratha (from Rs. 800), which wraps fillings in flatbread; Bun Kebab (from Rs. 600), with chicken or beef sandwiched in a bun; Shami Kebab (from Rs. 600), minced meat seasoned with spices and deep-fried; Tikka Boti (from Rs. 1,400) for those who enjoy spicy meat dishes; and Pakora (Rs. 600 for 6 pieces), a Pakistani-style fritter. For dessert, the restaurant offers the traditional Pakistani rice sweet Kheer, and for drinks, Lassi, with a choice of sugar or salt flavors, Kashmiri Chai, and Karak Chai with cardamom. Opening hours: 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Asian cuisine takeout ‘Kochchi Colombo’ opens in Colombo suburb Pelawatta

On August 22, the Asian cuisine takeout restaurant Kochchi Colombo (No 342/2/1 Pannipitiya Road, Pelawatta, Battaramulla, 10120) opened in Pelawatta, a suburb of Colombo. Kochchi Colombo primarily offers rice and noodle dishes for takeout, including Chinese, Thai, and Sri Lankan cuisines. The stylish black exterior features an eye-catching red and green logo with a chili pepper motif. The interior, consisting of an order counter and waiting area, has a relaxed atmosphere with wood panels on the walls and greenery hanging from the ceiling. The rice menu includes classic fried rice options with chicken, pork, seafood, and more (starting at Rs. 760), pork curry with egg rice (Rs. 1,090), nasi goreng (Rs. 1,070), spicy Thai rice (Rs. 1,020), and chicken biryani (Rs. 1,100), among others. It also offers seven types of noodle dishes with options for ingredients such as shrimp, chicken, pork, mixed, and Kochchi Colombo Special. Other menu items include six varieties of Kottu, Tom Yum soup, chop suey, sweet and sour pork, fish stew, BBQ spare ribs, and black pepper prawns, with prices ranging from 480 to 1,770 rupees. For dessert, it lines up biscuit gateau and Sri Lankan pudding “Watalappan.” In addition to takeout, the restaurant offers delivery, and orders can be placed via phone or through Uber Eats and PickMe Food. Opening hours: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Jagath Weerasinghe’s solo exhibition ‘Impetus’ in Colombo – Focusing on early works

Jagath Weerasinghe’s solo exhibition “Impetus” is currently underway at the contemporary art gallery Saskia Fernando Gallery (41 Horton Pl, Colombo) in Colombo 07. Weerasinghe, who holds a master’s degree in fine arts from American University in Washington D.C., is one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Sri Lankan art. He is a co-founder of Theertha Artists Collective, an artist-led NGO that promotes and encourages experimental art with contemporary artists in Sri Lanka. Known for his passionate and frenzied expression, his work explores violence, trauma, and social breakdown. Weerasinghe has exhibited his work in over 50 solo and group exhibitions domestically and internationally, including Japan, the UK, India, Singapore, and Germany. The “Impetus” features a selection of works created from 1989 to the early 1990s. It showcases Weerasinghe’s artistic response to the turbulent social and political events in Sri Lanka during the 1980s. Using woodcut prints as his medium, he portrays severed heads, broken stupas, and distorted human figures with elongated features. These early works serve as a foundation for his later exploration and examination of Sri Lankan society and the collapse of ethical and moral order in his art. One highlight piece in the exhibition is the installation “Shrine of the Innocents, Kilinochchi: Where is my Child?” created in collaboration with mothers who lost their children during the Sri Lankan civil war. The exhibition is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until September 30. Closed on Sundays.

Water industry exhibition ‘LANKAWATER’ in Colombo, international exhibitors participating

The “LANKAWATER 2023” water industry exhibition is scheduled to take place from September 21 to 23 at the Sri Lanka Exhibition & Convention Centre (SLECC) (12 McCallum Rd, Colombo 01000) in Colombo. The organizer is Tarsus Southeast Asia, headquartered in Kuala Lumpur. With the support of the National Water Supply and Drainage Board and the Sri Lanka Water Resources Board, the exhibition has been held since 2016. Around 200 international companies from countries such as Singapore, India, Malaysia, China, and Taiwan, in addition to local Sri Lankan businesses engaged in the water business, will be participating. Exhibitors include companies involved in water resource management, wastewater treatment, industrial water treatment, municipal water management, sewage systems, irrigation, and purified water, among other ventures. The exhibition will showcase the latest products, including pumps, valves, pipes and fittings, industrial and household filtration systems, and industrial wastewater treatment systems. Panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities are also planned. The exhibition will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is free.

Artist Chaminda Gamage’s solo exhibition ‘STUDIO COLLECTION’ in Colombo

Chaminda Gamage’s solo exhibition, “STUDIO COLLECTION,” is currently being held at Barefoot Gallery (Galle Road, Colombo 04) in Bambalapitiya, Colombo. Gamage, who has harbored a desire to become an artist since childhood, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Kelaniya and subsequently obtained Master of Arts and Master of Philosophy degrees from the same university. He is a founding member of “Colombo Artists-?” which serves as a meeting point for artists in Sri Lanka and is also actively involved as an art organizer. In 2009, he served as a curator for the Colombo Art Biennale. Gamage uses a variety of materials in his art, including watercolors, acrylics, and natural materials such as turmeric. Over the years, he has received several awards, including the State Award for Outstanding Painter of the Year from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Cultural Affairs in 1996. His works have been exhibited not only in solo exhibitions but also in galleries, art residencies, and workshops domestically and internationally. In this exhibition, Gamage primarily showcases experimental works created during the period he calls “The Lost Years.” These pieces focus on the process of transforming abstraction into tangible emotions. Gamage comments, “ Through the various styles, my work is a dialogue between texture and space that coalesces into an evocative narrative.” The exhibition is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until September 17. Closed on Sundays.

Asian cuisine takeout ‘Kochchi Colombo’ opens in Colombo suburb Pelawatta

On August 22, the Asian cuisine takeout restaurant Kochchi Colombo (No 342/2/1 Pannipitiya Road, Pelawatta, Battaramulla, 10120) opened in Pelawatta, a suburb of Colombo. Kochchi Colombo primarily offers rice and noodle dishes for takeout, including Chinese, Thai, and Sri Lankan cuisines. The stylish black exterior features an eye-catching red and green logo with a chili pepper motif. The interior, consisting of an order counter and waiting area, has a relaxed atmosphere with wood panels on the walls and greenery hanging from the ceiling. The rice menu includes classic fried rice options with chicken, pork, seafood, and more (starting at Rs. 760), pork curry with egg rice (Rs. 1,090), nasi goreng (Rs. 1,070), spicy Thai rice (Rs. 1,020), and chicken biryani (Rs. 1,100), among others. It also offers seven types of noodle dishes with options for ingredients such as shrimp, chicken, pork, mixed, and Kochchi Colombo Special. Other menu items include six varieties of Kottu, Tom Yum soup, chop suey, sweet and sour pork, fish stew, BBQ spare ribs, and black pepper prawns, with prices ranging from 480 to 1,770 rupees. For dessert, it lines up biscuit gateau and Sri Lankan pudding “Watalappan.” In addition to takeout, the restaurant offers delivery, and orders can be placed via phone or through Uber Eats and PickMe Food. Opening hours: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.

Artist Chaminda Gamage’s solo exhibition ‘STUDIO COLLECTION’ in Colombo

Chaminda Gamage’s solo exhibition, “STUDIO COLLECTION,” is currently being held at Barefoot Gallery (Galle Road, Colombo 04) in Bambalapitiya, Colombo. Gamage, who has harbored a desire to become an artist since childhood, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Kelaniya and subsequently obtained Master of Arts and Master of Philosophy degrees from the same university. He is a founding member of “Colombo Artists-?” which serves as a meeting point for artists in Sri Lanka and is also actively involved as an art organizer. In 2009, he served as a curator for the Colombo Art Biennale. Gamage uses a variety of materials in his art, including watercolors, acrylics, and natural materials such as turmeric. Over the years, he has received several awards, including the State Award for Outstanding Painter of the Year from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Cultural Affairs in 1996. His works have been exhibited not only in solo exhibitions but also in galleries, art residencies, and workshops domestically and internationally. In this exhibition, Gamage primarily showcases experimental works created during the period he calls “The Lost Years.” These pieces focus on the process of transforming abstraction into tangible emotions. Gamage comments, “ Through the various styles, my work is a dialogue between texture and space that coalesces into an evocative narrative.” The exhibition is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until September 17. Closed on Sundays.

Italian restaurant opens in Colombo 04, focusing on homemade pizza, pasta

On August 24, the Italian restaurant Penne Italian Kitchen (23 Visaka Road, Colombo 04) opened its doors in Bambalapitiya, Colombo. Previously offering pizza and pasta by delivery, the restaurant has now established a physical storefront. It features both indoor and outdoor seating, with the interior designed to allow ample natural light. The terrace seats are equipped with pergolas and greenery for shade, creating a space reminiscent of the Mediterranean coast. The pasta menu includes Bolognese (Rs. 2,500), Creamy Prawn Sauce (Rs. 3,100), Chicken Meatballs (Rs. 1,900), Lemon and cream Sauce (Rs. 2,200), Pesto Pasta (from Rs. 2,200), and Creamy Tomato Basil (from Rs. 2,350). Depending on the dish, customers can choose from a variety of ingredients such as chicken, beef, prawn, and paneer. The pizzas, baked in a wood-fired oven, are made entirely from scratch, from the dough to the sauce. The pizza menu offers a variety of options, including Margherita, Four Cheese, Pepperoni, BBQ Chicken, Hot Garlic Prawn, and Spicy Calamari, with prices ranging from 2,500 to 3,800 rupees. For dessert, it offers Tiramisu, Brownies, and Passion Fruit Choux au Craquelin, among others. Operating hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

‘Dog Festival’ to be held in Colombo’s national park, featuring Dog Fashion Show

The “Dog Festival Sri Lanka 2023” is scheduled on August 26 at Viharamahadevi Park in Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo. Organized jointly by ERA Creations and Pet Talk, the event takes place in conjunction with “International Dog Day.” This day is recognized as a time to appreciate all dogs regardless of breed, raise awareness about their current conditions, and promote protection efforts. In its inaugural year, this event will offer various activities that symbolize the special bond between humans and dogs. During the festival, there will be a dog concert, a dog fashion show, dog games, as well as facilities such as a restaurant & bar for dogs and a pool. Additionally, a pet shop and a clinic will be set up. For attendees accompanying dogs, there will be a street food section. The event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and admission is free. After the festival concludes, a DJ Music & Concert will continue from 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Rooftop Bar & Restaurant ‘Headquarters by W15’ opens in Colombo – Inspired by street food culture

On July 15th, “Headquarters by W15” (9th floor, HQ Colombo, 464 T. B. Jayah Mawatha, Colombo 10), a rooftop bar and restaurant, opened in Pettah, Colombo. It is the latest addition to the “W15 Collection,” a brand that operates hotels and restaurants in Sri Lanka. Located on the ninth floor of the office building HQ Colombo, it offers a panoramic view of the city, including the iconic Lotus Tower and the streets of Colombo. Headquarters by W15 consists of a fully open-air deck and a glass-walled indoor restaurant, featuring American comic-style wall art depicting Sri Lanka’s cityscape and food culture. The design was inspired by the narrow streets and vibrant colors of Pettah, a popular shopping area for locals. The food menu drew inspiration from Sri Lanka’s lively street food culture and offers a wide variety from a la carte dishes to set menus. The lineup includes Mini Murtabak with chicken (Rs. 1,100), chili-seasoned prawns Isso Puchchala (Rs. 1,800), Indian-style fried snack Vadai (Rs. 600), Ash plantain chips (Rs. 450), Elu-Mas soup (Rs. 1,350), spicy chicken wings Wings of Fury (Rs. 1,800), and Dum Biryani with a choice of chicken or lamb (Rs. 2,400 to 2,850). The bar presents eight signature cocktails, each evoking the beauty of Sri Lanka’s lush tropical landscapes. These include the whiskey-based Hard Day’s Work; Colonial Arrack, the local arrack garnished with chocolate; and Fiery Passion, mixed with red rum, chili vodka, and passion fruit; with prices ranging from 1,900 to 2,200 rupees. Classic cocktails and a variety of non-alcoholic mocktails are also available. Opening hours: 11:00 a.m. – midnight (until 2:00 a.m. on Fridays to Sundays).

‘Hotel Show Colombo’ in Colombo: 200 exhibitors from hospitality industry participate

The hospitality industry exhibition “Hotel Show Colombo 2023” will be held from July 21 to 23 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre (Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 07) in Colombo. This event marks its 15th edition. Co-hosted by the Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association (SLHGA) and CDC Events, with support from the Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau, this year’s theme revolves around “Produce of Sri Lanka,” focusing on promoting and encouraging innovation, smart solutions, and sustainable practices. Exhibitors come from various sectors within the hospitality industry, including hotels, resorts, restaurants, entertainment, interior design, kitchen equipment, housekeeping, environmental and waste management companies. Approximately 200 organizations from 20 countries will set up booths in Halls A to D. In Hall E, various contests, such as the Barista Championship, Room Stylist Challenge, and Ceylon Tea Masters Cup, will be held. Additionally, there will be cooking workshops by renowned chefs. In Hall C, the “Colombo Food Fest” will feature food stalls offering Sri Lankan, Japanese, European, Chinese, Mexican, and Arabian cuisine. The event attracts a significant number of international participants each time, and the organizers hope it will be a supportive platform for small and medium enterprises to explore new business opportunities in the international market. The exhibition will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Free admission.

Jagath Weerasinghe’s solo exhibition ‘Impetus’ in Colombo – Focusing on early works

Jagath Weerasinghe’s solo exhibition “Impetus” is currently underway at the contemporary art gallery Saskia Fernando Gallery (41 Horton Pl, Colombo) in Colombo 07. Weerasinghe, who holds a master’s degree in fine arts from American University in Washington D.C., is one of the most prominent figures in contemporary Sri Lankan art. He is a co-founder of Theertha Artists Collective, an artist-led NGO that promotes and encourages experimental art with contemporary artists in Sri Lanka. Known for his passionate and frenzied expression, his work explores violence, trauma, and social breakdown. Weerasinghe has exhibited his work in over 50 solo and group exhibitions domestically and internationally, including Japan, the UK, India, Singapore, and Germany. The “Impetus” features a selection of works created from 1989 to the early 1990s. It showcases Weerasinghe’s artistic response to the turbulent social and political events in Sri Lanka during the 1980s. Using woodcut prints as his medium, he portrays severed heads, broken stupas, and distorted human figures with elongated features. These early works serve as a foundation for his later exploration and examination of Sri Lankan society and the collapse of ethical and moral order in his art. One highlight piece in the exhibition is the installation “Shrine of the Innocents, Kilinochchi: Where is my Child?” created in collaboration with mothers who lost their children during the Sri Lankan civil war. The exhibition is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until September 30. Closed on Sundays.

Artist Chaminda Gamage’s solo exhibition ‘STUDIO COLLECTION’ in Colombo

Chaminda Gamage’s solo exhibition, “STUDIO COLLECTION,” is currently being held at Barefoot Gallery (Galle Road, Colombo 04) in Bambalapitiya, Colombo. Gamage, who has harbored a desire to become an artist since childhood, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Kelaniya and subsequently obtained Master of Arts and Master of Philosophy degrees from the same university. He is a founding member of “Colombo Artists-?” which serves as a meeting point for artists in Sri Lanka and is also actively involved as an art organizer. In 2009, he served as a curator for the Colombo Art Biennale. Gamage uses a variety of materials in his art, including watercolors, acrylics, and natural materials such as turmeric. Over the years, he has received several awards, including the State Award for Outstanding Painter of the Year from the Sri Lankan Ministry of Cultural Affairs in 1996. His works have been exhibited not only in solo exhibitions but also in galleries, art residencies, and workshops domestically and internationally. In this exhibition, Gamage primarily showcases experimental works created during the period he calls “The Lost Years.” These pieces focus on the process of transforming abstraction into tangible emotions. Gamage comments, “ Through the various styles, my work is a dialogue between texture and space that coalesces into an evocative narrative.” The exhibition is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. until September 17. Closed on Sundays.

Wood International Expo in Colombo: 250 exhibitors participate

The wood industry exhibition “Sri Lanka Wood International Expo 2023” will be held from September 9 to 11 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre in Colombo 07. This marks the eighth edition of the event. It aims to serve as a platform where wood product and equipment manufacturers and distributors can showcase their products and services while providing an opportunity for interior decorators, architects, builders, distributors, and others to discover new products and establish networks. Exhibitors range from wood suppliers dealing with timber, laminates, plywood, and veneers to woodworking machinery and tool manufacturers, furniture makers, kitchen equipment providers, wood adhesive manufacturers, and hardware manufacturers. Around 250 exhibitors from both domestic and international origins will participate, presenting a diverse range of displays and demonstrations related to wood products, services, and equipment. The event is expected to attract approximately 12,000 visitors over its duration. The expo will run from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Free admission.