Discovering Colombo Through Local Eyes
From vibrant local flavours to heartfelt hospitality, the team at Amari Colombo offer a glimpse into the city they proudly call home.
Many travellers arrive in Colombo with a plan.
The city is often seen as the starting point of a Sri Lankan adventure, a place to spend a night or two before heading towards the island’s beaches, tea country or national parks.
Yet those who linger a little longer are often rewarded.
There are oceanfront promenades where families gather at sunset. Bustling markets filled with colour and conversation. Historic buildings that tell stories of centuries of trade and cultural exchange. And perhaps most importantly, there are people who seem genuinely delighted to share their city with visitors.
That spirit can be felt throughout Amari Colombo.
Overlooking the Indian Ocean and located within easy reach of many of Colombo’s cultural and culinary highlights, the hotel offers guests a gateway to the city’s many experiences. Yet ask the team what visitors should remember most about Colombo, and the conversation quickly turns away from landmarks and towards something far more personal.
For Sous Chef Lahiru Ekanayake, the best introduction to Sri Lanka begins at the dining table.
“Food is far more than nourishment,” he says. “It is comfort, emotion, care and connection.”
Having spent nearly two decades in hospitality, Lahiru believes food offers one of the most authentic windows into a culture. Every recipe carries a story, whether it comes from family traditions, regional ingredients or generations of culinary influence.
Sri Lanka’s cuisine reflects exactly that.
The island’s location along historic trade routes introduced spices, techniques and flavours from around the world, creating a rich culinary identity that remains uniquely Sri Lankan.
At Amari Colombo, Lahiru enjoys sharing those flavours with guests while adding his own creativity.
“What drew me most to ONYX and Amari was the freedom to be creative,” he says. “Food is an art form. Here, we are encouraged to innovate and create experiences that connect emotionally with guests.”
For him, the most memorable moments rarely involve elaborate presentations or complicated techniques.
Instead, they often come from understanding what a guest truly needs.
He recalls one traveller who arrived with strict dietary requirements. Rather than making minor adjustments to existing dishes, Lahiru created an entirely personalised menu that allowed the guest to enjoy the experience without compromise.
“The happiness and gratitude from the guest reminded me why we do what we do,” he says.
That memory continues to guide his approach today.
“Sometimes hospitality is not about grand gestures,” he explains. “It is about making people feel comfortable without them even needing to ask.”
The same philosophy appears throughout Amari Colombo.
While guests may never meet Harshani Mihirani during their stay, her perspective offers another insight into Sri Lankan hospitality.
As Team Leader, Accounts Payable, she works behind the scenes helping ensure everything runs smoothly. Yet when asked what she enjoys most about her role, she does not mention numbers. Instead, she talks about people.
“I have always loved working with numbers, systems and people,” she says. “Finance is about trust, communication and relationships.”
Those values, she believes, extend far beyond her department.
Visitors often describe Sri Lanka as welcoming, and Harshani understands exactly why.
“There is something very genuine about the culture here,” she says. “It feels welcoming, caring and deeply connected to people.”
Her own journey reflects that spirit.
Starting her career at just 21 years old, she steadily built her experience and confidence within hospitality, eventually becoming part of the pre-opening team at Amari Colombo. Along the way, she learnt that integrity and consistency often matter more than quick success.
“Success is measured by the respect you earn through honesty and consistency,” she says.
Today, she hopes more women will see hospitality as a profession filled with opportunity.
“Do not let society’s misconceptions define your future,” she says.
Listening to Lahiru and Harshani, a common theme quickly emerges. Neither talks first about awards, titles or achievements. Instead, they talk about connection.
They talk about making people feel comfortable.
They talk about understanding what guests need before they ask.
And perhaps that is what many travellers remember most about Colombo itself.
The city offers beautiful coastlines, fascinating history and exceptional food, but it is often the warmth of the people that leaves the deepest impression.
At Amari Colombo, guests experience that warmth from the moment they arrive.
Whether through a thoughtfully prepared meal, a friendly recommendation or a quiet gesture behind the scenes, every interaction contributes to a deeper sense of place.
It is a reminder that discovering a destination is not only about where you go.
Sometimes, it is about the people who help you experience it.
Explore more: ONYX Dining
Book your stay: Amari
Story: Mahika Chandrasena • Photography: Amari Colombo
ABOUT HEARTMADE
Created to celebrate the 60th anniversary of ONYX Hospitality Group, Heartmade is a series of heartfelt stories inspired by the people who make every stay memorable, from dedicated team members to cherished guests across Amari, OZO, Shama, Oriental Residence, as well as our spa and dining brands.
Through personal memories, meaningful connections, and moments of genuine care, the series celebrates the warmth and spirit of hospitality that have brought people together for six decades. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from the Heartmade series.