Inspired by a leading record label many decades ago and currently a popular hangout spot that boasts of good music and food, The Sooriya Village is the result of a vivid imagination belonging to one Berklee College of Music graduate called Sanchitha Wickremesooriya.
Sanchitha’s grandfather, Gerald Wickremesooriya was the heart and soul behind ‘Sooriya Records’ which was founded in 1968 and went on to revolutionize the music scene in Sri Lanka decades ago. The series of events that led to the inception of one of the most renowned record label started with the opening of ‘The Children’s Bookshop’ by Gerald and Dulcie Wickremesooriya where large amounts of children’s books and imported vinyl records were sold. Famed musicians of yesteryear would often flock to the shop and the relationships built between Gerald and some of the popular names in the music scene paved way for the kind hearted planter to embrace his knack for the local music industry and producing music.
Many years after the glory days of the record label and the signed artists, a grandson with a similar passion for music decided to give life to his grandfather’s dream. He put his overactive imagination to work and brought to life The Sooriya Village which is a space that sustains and encourages all forms of art and creativity. Located down Skeleton Road in Colombo 05, The Sooriya Village houses rehearsal suites, a top gear recording studio, library and research services, a tech based lecture room, a restaurant with mouthwatering delights, dorms, tea/coffee/juice lounge, performance spaces and plenty of hang out area.
“Sooriya has definitely met its expectations but it’s also taken its own turns to become its own thing. We let it grow in its own way rather than bringing it back to the vision we had for it at the inception”, stated Sanchitha describing the approach he follows in regards to the growth of the venture. Since the opening of the space last year, The Sooriya Village has grown immensely and transformed into a space where many budding artists spend their time creating the next masterpiece. Apart from this many art related events are hosted promoting every type of creativity so it is safe to say that Sanchitha’s idea has indeed revived many art forms. “We are really pushing and supporting all types of artists and music. It’s not just music but other forms of art as well. Music mainly because that’s my comfort zone but we definitely push other areas as well”.
Apart from the historical aspect of The Sooriya Village, the amenities offered and the great ambience makes it a preferred location for events like birthday parties, family get-togethers and even weddings. “We didn’t think there would be this many people looking for spaces to hold their classes and various events. Our customers often say that the effort they need to exert is minimum when hosting their events at this space since we already have the restaurant and ambience part sorted out for them”, says a very satisfied owner of arguably Colombo’s hottest hangout. “We also bring down a lot of foreign artists since most of our young artists do not get the exposure to witness and learn from such artists”, Sanchitha added.
Even though the amenities and the ambience offered at The Sooriya Village largely impacts the positive feedback they receive, the restaurant and the delicious food served will urge you to return one too many times. The restaurant at The Sooriya Village is overseen by a celebrity chef. Everything from the items on the menu to the presentation of the food is curated and guided by Chef Hemalalindre Ranawake, fondly known as ‘Chef Koluu’. Koluu is an enigma to say the very least and his extensive knowledge on food gathered over thirty five years in the culinary field is on display at The Sooriya Village.
“There’s no point in conforming to the same ideas. The fun part about working with Koluu is that he’s completely open to crazy ideas. If he doesn’t agree with anything but feels its ok he will still ask me to go ahead with it. It’s a really healthy way of working together and it really works for us” laughs Sanchitha while Koluu nodded in agreement. “We designed a menu where we do food that people are familiar with so it’s a very casual concept. We have a lot of local food here and on the whole, the restaurant has been very successful” Koluu stated when asked about the menu planning process and the cuisines incorporated into the menu, “since Sanchitha is so creative, he also had lot of good ideas for the menu.”
“We are still figuring ourselves out and each day we learn. We invite everybody to come here with an open mindset. We encourage everybody to think out of the box and to not have a preconceived notion about who we are. An artist is a very liquid-like and malleable person so come prepared to take in all that we have to offer. Don’t just come here for the food, come for the full experience”, says someone we are convinced is a silent mastermind.
Written by Nishu Hassim