A grand event to declare open the restaurant, which was presided over by the Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara, was also attended by diplomatic officials representing the Middle East region.
This is the first restaurant opened by Lebanan Chef Private Limited, and it however expects to expand its restaurant network to many tourist attractions in the country in the future.
'Lebanan Chef', which offers a full range of traditional Arabic cuisines, is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and it is unique that all its chefs are hailing from Arabic countries.
Its Founder and Managing Director, Buddhi Pradeep Niyadandupola said that the restaurant was opened at a time when Sri Lanka's tourism industry is gradually recovering, especially targeting tourists from the Middle East.
"There are many direct flights to Sri Lanka every week from many countries in the Middle East region, which is very close to Sri Lanka.
There is a high potential of bringing more tourists to Sri Lanka from the Middle East which has a large population.
Millions of Sri Lankans have been working in the Middle East for about 40 years, so there is a close relationship between the people of those countries and Sri Lankans.
A large number of Arab tourists visit this country every year.
There is a strong need for a network of Arabic restaurants spread across the island to allow them to enjoy their own food.
It is to fill that gap that 'Lebanan Chef' restaurant was opened in Colombo 3." he further said.
Photo Caption Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment Manusha Nanayakkara and Founder & Managing Director Buddhi Pradeep Niyadandupola at the opening ceremony