BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE
The Walawwa broke with tradition this year and sprang an unexpected double celebration, treating family, friends, fans and Labor politicians to a feast and traditional Sri Lankan entertainment at it’s central headquarters in Noble Park, in Melbourne.
Celebrating Sinhala Avuruddu over a week later, and 10 years in business simultaneously, was a clever strategy for two special occasions. And they delivered with the style and class that the Walawwa is now becoming famous for.
Managing Directors Shehan Wijewardena and Nash Samarakoon showed their appreciation to those nearest, who have travelled the uncertain terrain the business has endured from its inception. It has now risen and established itself as a popular and successful chain of Cafes and Restaurant around Melbourne’s South Eastern suburbs.
What makes them a special and dynamic duo and sets them apart from most businesses was their focus and reaction to the 10th Anniversary celebrations, which was centred around appreciating their employees whose tireless efforts have contributed to this success story.
If that is not a recipe, (pardon the pun), for continued success, you certainly could not think of anything better.
Throw in daring, and clever business acumen which kick started the important journey, it is a much deserved success story for two likeable and and generous owners who have earned the endearing respect and love of the Melbourne community.
A packed out venue, on a Wednesday night, showed up in their numbers to celebrate at a much loved venue, and the party went on till midnight. It underlined the new clamour embracing the restaurant on a daily basis.
Sahan Weerasekera did an excellent job as Emcee for the event showcasing his enviable talent with the microphone and creative presentation.
Handpicked business personalities, musicians and staff members received awards and acknowledgement from Management for their input in keeping the business going through its sometimes arduous journey.
Special mention was made of the challenges faced by the establishment during Covid lockdown where even in the bleakest times the management were able to provide ongoing work to its staff.
No pain was spared in a long line of ‘thank you’s’ and some of the recipients were popular Singing Chef Don Sherman, Esric Jackson of the band Replay 6 and his associates Ebony and No Limit. Sonali Lindsay from Cloud 9 and Cultural dance leader Tiya Baranasooriya was among those acknowledged.
A sumptuous smorgasbord dinner was part of the night’s highlight apart from mouth watering entrees and a wide array of desserts. The standard of culinary expertise has lifted to a mouth watering experience.
Labor party Minister Julian Hill, Parliamentarians, Cassandra Fernando, former Dandenong Mayor Jim Mehmeti and Labor liaison Ray De Witt and former Sri Lanka cricket legend Tillekeratne Dilshan were the others to grace the occasion.
Julian Hill recalled his earlier association with the Walawwa and said that the Labor government was proud of its contribution to the Victorian economy and its noticeable improvement and growth since its beginnings.
A decade down, and the signs clearly indicate a successful journey ahead for the dedicated restaurant owners.
BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE
