How hard is it to run a restaurant in Sri Lanka?

What does it really take to run restaurants, day after day, year after year. In a city like Colombo? In this film, we follow Harpo Goonaratne, one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic hoteliers and restaurateurs, through a day in his life. From early mornings to late nights, Harpo shares his journey from entertainment to hospitality, his philosophy of people-first service, and the realities of running multiple properties in an ever-changing environment. A glimpse into the life, mindset, and values behind some of Colombo’s most loved dining spaces. 0:00 – What hospitality really means in Sri Lanka 0:41 – Introduction: A day in the life of Harpo Goonaratne 1:12 – From DJ to hotelier: how his journey began 3:05 – Running multiple restaurants in Colombo 5:06 – Staying hands-on: daily operations & leadership 6:01 – Building his first standalone restaurant 7:31 – Why presence matters in hospitality 10:08 – Building businesses during war, crisis & uncertainty 13:06 – Hospitality as people, not just food 16:10 – The next generation & passing on responsibility 20:56 – Work, balance & staying mentally sharp 22:50 – Colombo nightlife & the future of dining 25:23 – Advice for young entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka 29:46 – Why hospitality will always be about human connection 🌍 Browse Our Free Travel Guides: 👉 https://bit.ly/Shenellerguides 🧭 Book a Personalized Travel Consultation: 👉 https://bit.ly/shenellerconsultation ✈️ Want Us as Your Personal Guides in Sri Lanka? 👉 https://bit.ly/travelwithsheneller 🔔 Subscribe for More Travel Stories & Tips Join us as we explore Sri Lanka's hidden gems, vibrant culture, and inspiring people. 📺 Don’t forget to hit the bell icon so you never miss a video! 📲 Follow Us on Social Media Instagram:   / sheneller   TikTok:   / therealsheneller   Facebook:   / sheneller.official   LinkedIn:   / shenelle-rodrigo   📩 For Business Inquiries & Collaborations Email: [email protected] 🛎️ About Us We’re Shenelle & Shehaan, award-winning storytellers and content creators who’ve been showcasing Sri Lanka since 2018. Our mission is to promote responsible tourism and help you experience this island like never before.