Galle Face Hotel Archives

April 3, 2024

3^rd April 2024 – Colombo: The 8th International Conference on Climate Change (ICCC) 2024, held from the 8th to the 9th of February at the prestigious Galle Face Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka, concluded with resounding success. Organized by the International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM), the conference brought together over 120 participants from across the globe on a hybrid platform.

The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM) is committed to cultivating a sustainable future through global interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing by providing accessible platforms, publication support, and fostering meaningful collaborations, connects researchers, professionals, and policymakers worldwide. Through conferences, workshops, and training programs, TIIKM promotes interactive environments for intellectual growth and development, aiming to contribute to a knowledge-driven society.

The Sri Lankan Convention Bureau (SLCB) served as the main sponsor of the 8th International Conference on Climate Change 2024, highlighting its commitment to supporting events that drive progress in sustainability.

With the theme “Fostering Climate Solutions,” the ICCC 2024 conference aimed to provide a central platform for the dissemination of contemporary research findings, expert opinions, recommendations, and visionary insights pertaining to the field of climate change. The event featured a diverse range of interactive opportunities, including panel discussions, keynote addresses by renowned climate change researchers, group deliberations, publication workshops, and networking sessions.The ICCC 2024 played a crucial role in contributing to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals on a global scale, including Climate Action, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Life Below Water, Affordable and Clean Energy, and Life on Land.

The conference attracted participants from over 50 countries and represented more than 250 universities worldwide. The conference was chaired by Prof. Erandathie (Erandi) Lokupitiya from the Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences at the University of Colombo, also serving as the National Consultant for Mitigation at the ETF/AFOLU Project under the Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka. Esteemed resource persons included Mr. Leel Randeni, Chief Guest and Director of the Climate Change Secretariat at the Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka; Prof. Roshanka Ranasinghe, Keynote Speaker and Professor of Climate Change Impacts & Coastal Risk at the AXA Chair in Climate Change Impacts and Coastal Risk, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Netherlands; and Prof. Keith Paustian, Plenary Speaker and University Distinguished Professor at Colorado State University, United States. A special networking session and publication workshop were also integral parts of the conference, fostering collaborations and knowledge-sharing among participants.

ICCC 2024 marked seven years of success, with over 2000 participants and affiliations with 250 universities. The conference successfully fulfilled its objectives of facilitating knowledge exchange, networking opportunities, research visibility, and professional growth. Attendees also benefited from career advancement opportunities, publication support, quality reviewing, and collaborative research opportunities with international researchers.

The success of ICCC 2024 underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges of climate change and advancing sustainable solutions on a global scale. As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, conferences like ICCC provide vital platforms for dialogue, cooperation, and innovation.

September 15, 2023

Colombo, Sri Lanka – The Galle Face Hotel, an iconic landmark in Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector, is thrilled to unveil the ‘Yaalpana Santhai’ at The Verandah Restaurant. Translating to ‘Jaffna Market’ in English, this two-day Jaffna food festival is scheduled to grace the culinary stage on September 23rd and 24th, 2023.

Jaffna, renowned for its profound culinary legacy and vibrant gastronomic traditions, will be the star of this extraordinary culinary spectacle. The event guarantees to transport you into the heart of Jaffna’s culinary heritage, featuring a tantalizing buffet that pays homage to the best of Jaffna cuisine.

Priced at LKR 7,900 per person, the buffet will be available from 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at The Verandah Restaurant. Nestled adjacent to the iconic ‘Chequerboard’ lawn, this charming venue offers an elegant setting with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. The Yaalpana Santhai promises an unparalleled dining experience on the 23rd and 24th of September, providing guests with a unique opportunity to savour the authentic flavours of Jaffna.

Executive Chef at the Galle Face Hotel, Chef Aritha Fernando, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to bring the essence of Jaffna to Colombo with ‘Yaalpana Santhai.’ This event is a celebration of the rich cultural and culinary heritage of Jaffna, and we invite everyone to join us in experiencing the warmth and flavours.”

In addition to the delectable cuisine, attendees will be serenaded by the enchanting melodies of local music and the graceful performances of traditional dancers, creating an ambience of pure authenticity. Furthermore, visitors will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate authentic Jaffna crafts showcased at stalls within the venue, adding an enriching cultural dimension to the dining experience.

At the heart of this exceptional festival lie iconic dishes that embody Jaffna’s culinary excellence. Guests can anticipate savouring traditional delights such as Kaikuthal rice, celebrated for its aromatic and flavourful preparation. Dive into the rich and spicy nandu sodhi (crab curry) that encapsulates the essence of Jaffna’s coastal flavours. Meat enthusiasts will relish the succulence of aatu erachi kulambu (mutton curry), while vegetarians will be captivated by the diversity of Jaffna’s vegetarian offerings showcased in porittha valaikkai kulambu (ash plantain curry). Additionally, the festival will offer dosai, a beloved favourite, to tantalize your taste buds. For those with a sweet tooth, the event promises an array of Northern sweetmeats, including the delectable raya kesari and the ever-popular Laddu and more. These sweet treats will provide the perfect conclusion to your Jaffna culinary journey.

To complement your meal, indulge in traditional beverages, including Naddu Coffee and Nelli Juice, which will be available to enhance your dining experience with authentic flavours and refreshing options.

The Galle Face Hotel extends a warm invitation to all food enthusiasts to partake in this remarkable event. Experience the flavours, aromas, and cultural richness of Jaffna, and let your taste buds embark on an extraordinary culinary voyage. Secure your table now for an unforgettable weekend of gastronomic bliss. For reservations and inquiries, please contact The Verandah Restaurant at +94 11 754 1010 or +94 777 222 135.

December 19, 2022

This year, Galle Face Hotel is lighting up with five curated celebrations under one iconic location. Whether you’re looking for an intimate dinner with loved ones or a party you won’t want to forget at Colombo’s most eventful gathering, consider Galle Face Hotel the place to be on New Year’s Eve.

Taking centre stage is ‘Fire & Ice NYE 2022’, the latest edition to Galle Face Hotel’s annual extravaganza, hosted at the iconic Chequerboard. With an entrance fee of LKR 16,000 per person, the celebrations are set to kick off at 8 p.m. with music by some of Sri Lanka’s best entertainment acts, including DJ Shiran D, DJ Pierre, DJ Mark, and DJ Shiran Dias. Expect exclusive packages, bottle deals, and accommodation offers, each designed to make your night a memorable one.

The celebrations will be held at The Chequerboard and the North lawn, with food huts, two long bars, various seating options, and an unparalleled theme that boasts both fiery passion and icy sculptures under one starlit canopy.

Making her way to Sri Lanka and joining us at The Chequerboard is DJ Amour // HardTart, one of India’s most celebrated DJs/Producers. HardTart’s speciality in Dance, Electro House, Hard Dance, and Hardcore is sure to keep the party on its feet throughout the night.

Welcome the new year amongst vintage chic elements, delectable cuisine, and exceptional service at the Jubilee Ballroom. With an entrance fee of LKR 20,000, this buffet dinner curated by Chef Rukmal promises to have diners raving. Accompanied by the beats of Cold Sweat along with a DJ, celebrations at the Jubilee Ballroom are set to begin at 7 p.m. and blend into an afterparty at The Chequerboard.

Raise your glass to island chic at this year’s exclusive Firebeach New Year’s Eve soirée. Our very own open-air, poolside Beach Restaurant and Bar will showcase Resident DJ Thushan on the decks spinning 60s, 70s, and 80s tunes from 7 p.m. onwards. At an entrance fee of LKR 17,000 per head, inclusive of breakfast, guests can anticipate a scrumptious a la Carte menu, signature cocktails, and bottle deals amidst a breezy, tropical ambience. A perfect way to ring in the new year.

Celebrate the dawn of 2023 with a gastronomical adventure, surrounded by loved ones at 1864 Limited Edition. Priced at LKR 25,000++ per person, the New Year’s Eve tasting menu at our newly refurbished Gastro Chic Restaurant promises a carefully curated experience in contemporary European cuisine. Accompanied by the soothing sounds of our live Jazz & Soul band, pause 1864 this New Year’s Eve to relish an exquisite meal, set against a sophisticated atmosphere.

Ring in the new year in true Cuban style at King Of The Mambo, complete with your favourite Mediterranean delicacies, flaming grills, a photo booth, and lively music by DJ Demo. With an entrance fee of LKR 17,000 per head inclusive of breakfast, celebrations at King Of The Mambo are bound to remain ecstatic and enthusiastic throughout the night. Add extra zest to your night by booking our private karaoke room, available upon a minimum spend of LKR 200,000.

After dinner, blend in and join the “Fire & Ice afterparty”, and witness a dazzling firework display as it lights up the Colombo skyline.

With an array of events to choose from and a myriad of benefits to make your night an unforgettable one, The Galle Face Hotel is bound to be the place to celebrate the dawn of 2023.

Contact +94 11 254 1 010 or +94 76 925 4713 to reserve your tickets visit https://www.gallefacehotel.com/promotions/nye-2022-accommodation-packages/ for further information or stay tuned to Galle Face Hotel’s social media handles for details on exclusive discounts and offers.

November 4, 2022

The Luxury Edition by CFW will take place on the 17th of November 2022, at the Galle Face Hotel. This special edition of CFW aims to focus on craftsmanship in design creation leading to sustainable luxury. This edition explores an opportunity to increase the value of the designed products through craftsmanship. This single day edition will showcase Sri Lanka’s fashion design talent with emphasis on luxury and wedding wear which will also create a positive vibe for the creative and design industry at this time. The show will feature luxury, occasion, and bridal trousseau segments.

The importance of craftsmanship in sustainable and responsible luxury is a perspective that will be explored through Luxury Talks. This will feature two personalities who create luxury products for local and international markets. This discussion aims to broaden the prospective of Sri Lankan design entrepreneurs to create high value design products.

The evening will showcase 8 designers, who have created their collections based on above thought process and design thinking. To name a few, Darshi Keertisena of Buddhi Batiks, Charini Suriyage, Sonali Dharmawardena, Fouzul Hameed, Aslam Hussain, Lovi Ceylon, Dinushi Pamanuwa and others will unveil their seasonal collections.

“The Luxury edition by CFW explores opportunities in creating high value design products at a time when the basics are challenged. Idea being, can an increased focus on a designer’s craft take their design label up the luxury ladder while creating unique identity for Sri Lankan designers. This form of luxury is not only relevant but also sustainable and will encourage enhanced design entrepreneurship. At CFW we have experimented and explored constantly to lift the fashion design industry of Sri Lanka, coming out with sustainable solutions. Next year, we celebrate 20 years of CFW a development organisation. The philosophy and culture we have fostered is sustainable, developmental, and progressive while being inclusive. I am confident this unique edition will infuse new energy and positivity in the design industry as we approach the season. I am excited to see the new collections. ”, Says Ajai Vir Singh, MD of CFW.

“We are grateful to have the opportunity to partner up with Mr. Ajai Singh and the Colombo Fashion Week team once more to host this prestigious event on November 17th here at the Galle Face Hotel. It will be a one-day affair which will include the main Luxury Edition fashion show, followed by an after-party at FireBeach. It promises to be a glamorous and fun and we are very much looking forward to it.” – Daniel Grau – GM, Galle Face Hotel.

CFW is proud to continue the long-standing partnership with Nations Trust bank American Express, a truly customer-centric provider of tailored financial services for contemporary lifestyles, as the official Fashion Card for the Luxury Edition.

Galle Face Hotel is the official Hospitality Partner and fits seamlessly with Luxury edition, celebrating their heritage architecture and design outlook.

The Official Jewellery Partner is Colombo Jewellery Stores; Celebrating A Century of Style with their Bespoke and Timeless Design aesthetic.

TRESemme, the global hair products brand associated with New York Fashion Week is the Official Haircare Partner.

Juniper, the premium real estate and investment partner for a progressive and stable investment portfolio is also onboard Luxury Edition as Real Estate Partner.

Ramani Fernando Salons, Sri Lanka’s largest and leading hair and beauty brand, with over 40 years of experience in the industry, will be the official Hair and Make Up Partner, a role they have fulfilled since 2003.

Vision Care, the leading eyecare provider in Sri Lanka with over 55 branches islandwide, is the Official Eyewear Partner for Colombo Fashion Week, and has been so for the last five years.

Emerging Media, is onboard as Outdoor Digital Media Partner, and leading PR Agency HardTalk (Private) Limited, is the official PR partner.

CFW, a developmental platform started in 2003, in a systematic manner, created formats that demand transformation across the key pillars that would define a fashion industry. CFW’s mission is to establish, develop and maintain an efficient fashion eco-system that incubates the best of Sri Lankan fashion design. The various companies of CFW focus on different aspects of fashion, from fashion week platforms, creative events, media, sustainable fashion, education-based programs, and fashion brands.

February 24, 2022

PHOTO-01-In-the-footsteps-of-an-Imperial-journey-696x615-1.jpg

Rendez-Vous with Yasmin and Kumar this month takes viewers on a historical journey back to the 19^th century, to the days of the second French Empire of Napoleon the 111, nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Joining Yasmin and Kumar at the Empress Suite of the Galle Face Hotel is the Ambassador for France in Sri Lanka HE Eric Lavertu who speaks about this era in French history.

“The Second Empire was a period of great development, followed by the industrialisation of France. It was a period of massive change and modernisation”, he says.

Senior architect Ranjith Alahakoon then joins the show and talks about the re-building of Paris during this period, explaining the move from ‘squares’ in the city to the Hausmann-ian avenues that Paris is now famed for.

The show then moves to 1908 when Her Imperial Highness Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon 111 journeyed across the oceans to Ceylon. Eugenie, ‘Empress of the French’ as she was known’ was a woman of power and independence of the 19^th century.

Empress Eugenie arrived in Colombo in January 1908, on the P&O liner Mooltan from Marseille in France, as a guest of Sir Thomas Lipton. She was more than eighty years of age at that time

The Royal party was accommodated in special apartments at the Galle Face Hotel where the Empress and her party occupied eleven rooms on the first floor while her servants occupied four more rooms. The Empress had the principal room above the entrance porch and over the verandah, in front of which an awning had been put.

And in her own words it happened to be “One of the most delightful holidays” that she had ever spent.

Rendez-Vous with Yasmin and Kumar comes to you on Monday 28^th February at 19h (Sri Lanka time) on the YouTube channel of the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

February 13, 2018

Valentine’s Day is almost upon us, and the star crossed lovers the world over are excitedly waiting to celebrate the day with a romantic getaway. Galle Face Hotel is all set for ushering a most memorable evening for your romantic rendezvous complemented with scrumptious cuisines and soothing music amidst an opulently set romantic ambiance.

Galle Face Hotel’s ‘The 1864 Restaurant and Wine Cellar’ is ideal to relish a candle lit dinner topped with a unique gastronomical experience enriched with delectable European flavours. The 1864 offers elegant cozy interiors with a fine blend of music, letting you completely unwind. And if you’re up for a romantic getaway under a starry sky, revel in the chilled breeze and the view of the pristine beach, ‘The Verandah’ offers all that and more to spend a perfect romantic night.

Celebrating the month of romance, Galle Face Hotel invites those who yearn for the succulent taste of love cakes for a delightful surprise. Drop in between 12^th to 15^th of February, and order tea or coffee and express the magical words ‘I Love Cake’, and you will be served with a complimentary piece of Love Cake to tickle your taste-buds. What’s more, Galle Face Hotel will be offering a complimentary Love Cake for anyone pre-booking a Valentine’s Day Dinner at the hotel.

January 3, 2018

Colombo, Sri Lanka (January 03, 2018): The Galle Face Hotel heralded the New Year with a traditional celebration together with all team members. Chairman and Owner Mr. Sanjeev Gardiner and his mother Mrs. Mavis Gardiner also graced the occasion. The Galle Face Hotel wishes everyone a happy and harmonious New Year 2018.

December 28, 2017

Colombo, Sri Lanka (December 4, 2017): South Asia’s leading Grande Dame together with Ebert Silva Holidays, recently launched a Christmas edition of the popular Colombo City Tour.

The special service which coincides with the annual Christmas Fest organised by Sri Lanka Tourism, will pick up tourists on a daily basis from all leading city hotels and take them to view seasonal city attractions such as the Christmas Fest at Independence Arcade. The service is offered complimentary to tourists.

The official launch of this festive service was held under the patronage of Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs, Hon. Mr. John Amaratunga. Chairperson of Ebert Silva Holidays, Ms. Rajini De Silva and General Manager of the Galle Face Hotel, Mr. Deni Ohlsen-Dukic were also present at the launch.

Speaking at the event, Minister Amaratunga stated that Sri Lanka has a keen interest in developing event-based tourism, with seasonal festivities such as Christmas and Vesak being key events in the calendar.

Guests from the Galle Face Hotel who participated in the event were boarded on a double-decker bus courtesy of Ebert Silva Holidays, and were treated to a live performance of Christmas carols, while on the tour.

“We are thrilled to partner with Ebert Silva Holidays and Sri Lanka Tourism for this event. Events like this help to promote Sri Lanka in a memorable manner and we want our guests to remember their Christmas in Sri Lanka as being full of festive cheer, peace and goodwill.” said Mr. Deni Ohlsen-Dukic, General Manager of the Galle Face Hotel.

The Christmas city tour will take place from the 21^st to the 23^rd of December.

December 10, 2017

Colombo, Sri Lanka (December 4, 2017): South Asia’s leading Grande Dame kicked off the holiday season on Monday night as Chairman and owner, Mr. Sanjeev Gardiner and his mother Mrs. Mavis Gardiner threw the switch that lit the Christmas tree inside the hotel lobby, surrounded by in-house guests and friends of the hotel.

The annual Tree Lighting Ceremony has become a holiday tradition at the Galle Face Hotel, and is a celebration of cheer and goodwill. A choir sang Christmas carols while the audience looked on in delight. This year’s event also featured the arrival of Santa Claus who greeted the children and handed out early Christmas presents.

General Manager of the Galle Face Hotel, Mr. Deni Ohlsen-Dukic invited guests to enjoy canapés and Christmas goodies such as Reindeer buns, as well as an assortment of cheeses, mulled wine and eggnog which added to the air of festivity.

The hotel was decorated with beautiful Christmas trees and intricate wreaths, while the exterior was bathed in a cheerful green lighting to mark the season. For more information on seasonal events at the Galle Face Hotel, please contact the Special Events Team on 0777222135.

November 8, 2017

Colombo, Sri Lanka (November 08, 2017): Over 150 years of history and heritage later, the Galle Face Hotel continues to lead culinary trends in Sri Lanka. With a focus on promoting clean eating, the iconic hotel has now introduced a special Vegan Week from the 13^th to the 17^th of November 2017.

This novel initiative is among the first of its kind to make an appearance on Colombo’s food scene, which over the years has acquired a unique identity of its own while still keeping up with global culinary trends. Veganism has taken the world by storm as a movement that is centred on healthy, plant-based eating and perhaps more importantly, it has been shown to have a positive impact on our planet. There is a growing understanding of the environmental cost of meat production and other agricultural issues which makes the idea of a vegetable-driven diet more attractive and, for some, also the responsible thing to do.

Guests will be treated to a completely vegan experience, free from any animal products used in food preparation or presentation. “With the increasing interest on healthy living and widespread awareness on sustainably sourced products, the Galle Face Hotel wanted to introduce Vegan Week in order to do our part in promoting this movement. We also introduced this initiative to be more inclusive and cater to the growing community of vegans here in Colombo” stated Mr. Deni Ohlsen-Dukic, General Manager, The Galle Face Hotel. The events are open to anyone interested in trying out vegan food. “It is possible to eat a completely plant-based diet which is not only healthy but delicious!” added Ohlsen-Dukic.

Walk in Vegan Culinary Workshop

Vegan Week at the Galle Face Hotel kicks off with a culinary workshop on November 13^thfrom 6 to 8 p.m. The workshop will be hosted by Chef Tora who flew in from Sweden for this especially curated Vegan Week. As a food and meal scientist, Chef Tora will provide information on veganism and share recipes for clean eating. The workshop will be conducted in partnership with the Sri Lanka Youth Climate Action Network (SLYCAN). The workshop will also touch on a global movement called #MeatlessMondays which has a very simple message: once a week, cut the meat. Chef Tora will talk to guests about how going meatless as little as once a week can affect the health of our planet.

Vegan Cocktail

On November 17^th, the Galle Face Hotel will treat guests to a completely Vegan cocktail event with all-natural nibbles, and dessert. Chef Tora has paid meticulous attention to the food in order to give guests the best experience possible. The ingredients are cruelty-free and locally sourced, with all natural products used for flavour and colour.

For reservations, please call (+94) 777 222 135 / (+94) 112 541 010

Older Posts

The 8th International Conference on Climate Change 2024 concluded triumphantly in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Galle Face Hotel Presents ‘Yaalpana Santhai’ A Gastronomic Journey into Jaffna Cuisine

Galle Face Hotel Comes to Life this New Year’s Eve

Luxury Edition by CFW, focuses on Craftsmanship to enhance Design products in Sri Lanka

In the footsteps of an Imperial journey

Galle Face Hotel – A Romantic Destination for a Valentine’s Day Like No Other

Heralding the New Year at Galle Face Hotel

The Galle Face Hotel and Ebert Silva Holidays Kick Off Festive Colombo City Tour

Galle Face Hotel Kicks Off Holiday Season with Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

The Galle Face Hotel Promotes Clean Eating with Vegan Week 2017