With exit from iconic Colpetty location, 5th generation to revamp Green Cabin

By Shannon Jayawardena 

Marking a new chapter in their business, the well-known 134 year old Green Cabin passed down business to its fifth generation with an eye on blending history and innovation together. The family business which was formerly run by the fourth generation of cousins under Chanaka Rodrigo as its Managing Director was recently passed down to the fifth generation under Revantha Devasurendra as its Chief Executive Officer, Chirath Devasurendra as its Sales and Marketing Head and Rushika Senervirathne.

As part of the way forward, the land at which the iconic outlet down Kolpetty is to be sold independently as the family believes that the property is of great value and is a tremendous asset. However Green Cabin will soon be operational from a new location whilst its other outlets will continue to function as usual. 

Their outlets are currently situated in Nugegoda, Pita Kotte, Vauxhall Street, Colombo, Chatham Street, Pepiliyana and down Templers Road in Mount Lavinia and employs over 160 staff in all central kitchens and branches.

Fifth Generation CEO Revantha Devasurendra said: “We don’t like to change for the sake of change, so we will be focusing on what we are really good at while making improvements and enhancements to those. At the same time, we do understand that trends are changing and we will introduce a range of new items as well.”

Sharing insights on the café’s plans for better service offerings, the fifth generation of the family is keen on improving efficiency of customer orders, customer reputation and our catering service, which is a huge component of running a successful business in the food and beverage chain, emphasised Devasurendra. 

“The outlet which is being sold to a private investor has a history of memories which also started somewhere, so we are looking at a new start at a new location. It truly holds so many memories and will hopefully be transferred to another place for people to enjoy,” he added. 

Having started business in 1884 by two Englishmen and the late Mudaliya Thomas Rodrigo who owned and managed the Pagoda Tea Rooms to sample the world-famous Ceylon tea to travellers at a teas kiosk at the Colombo harbour, the small outlet moved its premises down Chatham Street and slowly yet gradually expanded its offerings. 

At a later date, the business was bought by Rodrigo and was managed by his son Cyril Thomas Rodrigo. Subsequently he purchased the business from his father and later established the now known Cyril Rodrigo Restaurants which added Green Cabin to its portfolio. 

The legendary family owned business is recognised for their famous chocolate cakes, cheese cakes, pies and lamprais, and the fifth generation spearheads are eager to add in new changes while keeping the family’s history in line. 

Pic by Lasantha Kumara