All aboard the Lighthouse Galley

The latest addition to Sri Lanka’s restaurant and dining scene, Lighthouse Galley down Chaithya Road offers a unique experience to all food lovers.

Set in the backdrop of the Colombo Lighthouse located at Galbokka Point, the Galley opened just twenty days ago is all about good food, good friends, comfort and a picturesque view.

Run by the Sri Lanka Navy, the Galley offers a host of dining options to fit the pocket strings of any person. According to the officials that run the Galley the idea of such a concept was put forward by Secretary of Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa at the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of Sri Lanka Navy in December last year. The idea was carried forward by Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake. “The construction, architecture, interior decoration was all done by the Navy. The menu preparations are also done by well experienced chefs from the Navy,” he said.

Open from 11 am to 11 pm, the restaurant has separate areas dedicated for fine dining and family dining. It also has a food court and a bar which goes as “Ward Room Annex.” The dining rooms offer an a la carte menu. “There are also special menus that we hope to introduce within the next few weeks or months. In addition there are many plans which when worked out would add to a unique dining experience to our customers.”

The food court will offer a variety of food items from hoppers to fast foods to pizzas and pastries. A variety of ice cream flavours out of which most will be homemade will also be available. “In the bar area any type of liquor be it local or foreign will be available. Beers, wines and other beverages will also be offered,” the management noted.

spaced out to add comfort to the experience, the food court can hold up to 300 persons at any given time while the fine dining area can seat 50 people, family area 20 and the bar area 50 persons.

The management hopes to open its doors for seminars, birthday parties, group gatherings, corporate events and evening outdoor weddings in the future. These are all part of the ambitious expansion plans in the pipeline.  

“The entire crew consists of Navy officers. They are well trained, well disciplined and experienced. We are confident that with time the Light House Galley will be proven a success.” A happy hour, monthly or weekly food promotions are all on the plan too. The Navy troupe will perform for diners on request. All income earned from the restaurant and performance will go towards the welfare of the Navy especially to the injured officers and families of war heroes.

“This is one of the best locations in Colombo for a restaurant. The lighthouse at the back, the famous Galle Face Green in front and the mist of the sea around you- what better atmosphere can we create to come enjoy a full on gastronomic journey?”

 The lighthouse on the backdrop was used for navigational purposes and closed for a long time due to security issues add to the charm of the whole setting. Known as the Colombo Lighthouse, this is said to have been built as a clock tower in 1860. Rumour has it that the original structure is constructed by the same people who built “The Big Ben” in London.

However with the Colombo skyline changing with development on the rise, the tower was blocked by other tall buildings and had to be rebuilt in 1952. The second and the final phase of construction is said to have been done by renowned local engineer A. N. S. Kulasinghe. The light house is constructed in stone marked with patterns of black and white checks. It is said to be 29 metres in height, 2 metres on focal height with a range of 15 metres in sight.

 Meanwhile the opening of the new galley restaurant was tied together with the launch of a brand new magazine titled ‘Can’ by ad agency Triad in a themed event of “Sri Lanka Can!” The launch saw a colourful performance by Sri Lanka Navy troupe last week.