MOB opens in Colombo

ETM Leisure Managing Director Manila Abeyweera and Chairman Dasun Wickramarathna cutting the ribbon to open the MOB restaurant 

Foodies rejoice; 25 September was a day to remember in Colombo’s foodscape, when the much-hyped MOB restaurant opened its doors to the public. 

Unique in Colombo’s burgeoning food sphere, Mass of Bees Restaurant or MOB as it is popularly known intends to stand out both as a result of its cuisine as well as its one-of-a-kind theme.

Located in the heart of Colombo at the prestigious Atrium building on Balapokuna Road in Colombo 5, MOB is set to take on Colombo’s gourmands! Featuring an exceptional menu, MOB has a refreshingly unique atmosphere. The restaurant is located in a vortex of natural airflow, eliminating the need for artificial air-conditioning, thus enhancing the “au natural” dining experience!

The launch of MOB on Friday 25 September was indeed a memorable experience, while the food served was unparalleled. Present at the opening were a number of celebrities including present and past cricketers, hoteliers, singers and entertainers. Capable of accommodating 96 persons at any given time, MOB’s cuisine is ambitious to say the least. With a staff of four speciality chefs, as well as restaurant staff, MOB will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily and promises to be the ultimate culinary experience. Outside catering too will be part of the services offered.

The brainchild of A.A. Lakshman Silva, who along with Priyanthi Abeyweera and business magnate Dasun Wickramarathna, conceptualised the idea of a restaurant based on the history of Negombo, one of the country’s most populous and historic cities, the very name MOB itself has a history. 

According to Silva, “The original idea was to launch a chain of restaurants in Negombo, centred on its association with bees; the Sinhala name for Negombo being Migamuva, meaning ‘mass of bees’. Negombo being thus named was owing to the swarm of bees that settled on the first Portuguese boat that was put ashore in Negombo. This idea gestated for a while, but instead we decided to bring the history of Negombo into the heart of Colombo, which has led to the creation of ‘Mass of Bees’ or MOB, under the ETM Leisure banner.”

Silva began his career in the hospitality industry in year 1987 at Riverina Hotel. From there he joined Mt. Lavinia Hotel and moved to Taj Samudra and Eden Resorts respectively. He then went overseas to take up a stint at the Dubai Grand Hotel, followed by Best Western Hotels and Le Meridian Hotel. He counts his 10 plus years in Dubai as amongst the most rewarding of his career, as it gave him the opportunity to work and associate with over 20 different nationalities from all parts of the world.

Heading the team behind MOB is of course that all important person, Chef Extraordinaire Dudley Nanayakkara, who brings his almost 40 year career as a culinary wizard and master chef to the fore as he whips up a menu that is truly and an unforgettable treat for the most discerning palette. 

Perennial favourites such as Negombo Pork Curry, Baked Crab, Jaffna Crab with Murunga leaves, the ever popular submarines and burgers, an array of Thai, Indian, Indonesian and Chinese favourites, street food, sizzlers, as well traditional italian favourites such as ravioli in green pesto sauce, spaghetti carbonara, prawns provencale and many others are on offer. 

Managing Director Manila Abeyweera and ETM Leisure Chairman Dasun Wickramarathna with Captain of the Sri Lanka Test and One-Day International cricket teams Dimuth Karunaratne

Executive Chef Dudley Nanayakkare 

Poorni Abeynayake, Anusha David, Ravya Mohamed and Lakna Abeynayake

ETM Leisure Managing Director Manila Abeyweera, Executive Chef Dudley Nanayakkare, ETM Leisure Chairman Dasun Wickramarathna and ETM Leisure Director/GM Lakshman Silva

Former One Day International Captain Chaminda Vaas, ETM Leisure Managing Director Manila Abeyweera, ETM Leisure Chairman Dasun Wickramarathna and former Sri Lankan cricketer Upul Chandana