Skip to main content

Grand Gastro Bar

Color Awards - 2025

Kurana Negambo

Honorable Mention

The Grand originally started as a simple pastry shop in Wennappuwa back in 1996. However, the owner saw potential and decided to expand its operations to Negombo, transforming it into a sophisticated coffee lounge while still maintaining its pastry shop roots. In 2010, the owner took it a step further by launching the Grand Gastro Bar in Negombo, and also renovated the other two coffee shops in Wennappuwa into trendy coffee lounges. As a result, The Grand quickly became a prominent player in Negombo's dining scene. To stay ahead of the competition, the owner conceived the idea of the Grand Gastro Bar, a new establishment built on leased land with a 15-year lease agreement. The thoughtful use of colors plays a pivotal role in its success, creating a calming and inviting atmosphere. Warm hues soften the ambiance, while natural tones connect visitors to a sense of serenity. These carefully chosen colors enhance the overall dining experience, allowing patrons to relax, rejuvenate, and fully savor the exquisite flavors on offer. This strategic blend of aesthetics and function elevates the Grand Gastro Bar, making it a true haven for locals and travelers alike. Visitors may not consciously notice the colors, yet these carefully chosen hues seamlessly melt the rush and fatigue of the soul, guiding them into a tranquil, restorative sanctuary.


Archt. Janaka Kumara Chaminda Don Liyanage

I am JKCD Liyanage, although I am better known as Malinda Liyanage among my clients. I graduated from the University of Moratuwa with a BSc in Built Environment and an MSc in Architecture. In 2007, I obtained my Chartered Practice Certification from the Sri Lanka Institute of Architects (SLIA) and became a member and chartered architect of SLIA the same year. After gaining formative experience at Geoffrey Bawa Associates from 1999 to 2001, I founded my own firm, Liyomark in Architecture, in 2010. Since then, I have successfully completed numerous projects in Sri Lanka, including hotels, restaurants, and commercial buildings. In 2016, my design for Hotel Pledged 3 in Negombo received an Honourable Mention Award from SLIA. CNN recognized Pledged 3 as Sri Lanka's most sophisticated hotel in 2014. With over 15 years of experience running my own practice, I utilize my diverse architectural expertise to create buildings that are both practical and aesthetically striking.