Colombo City Restaurant Collective holds 4th AGM; elects new committee

From left: Treasurer Saurab Udeshi, General Secretary Dinali Dandeniya, President Harpo Gooneratne, Vice President Dharshan Munidasa and Patron Gerard Mendis 

The Colombo City Restaurant Collective (CCRC) held its fourth Annual General Meeting recently at The Bayleaf Restaurant, where it acknowledged and thanked the existing Executive Committee for their contributions and effort and welcomed in the new. 

Harpo Gooneratne was once again voted in as CCRC President following call for him to remain, as his contributions and leadership to the committee and industry has been significant and impactful, which was achieved with the support of the committee.The new committee include Patron Chef Gerard Mendis, President Harpo Gooneratne, Vice President Dharshan Munidasa, Gen. Secretary Dinali Dandeniya, and Treasurer Saurabh Udeshi.

Committee Members are Dinesh Wijesinghe, Nadeem Rajabdeen, Chandana Talwatte, Viraj Panchal, Chirath Devasurendra and Judy Wickramatilleke.

Plans for the coming year include continuation of the CCRC food program for the less privileged who have been greatly affected by the economic crisis, which is a CCRC initiative and made possible by the generous contribution and support by members. 

Further a charity event with entertainment is on the cards also to raise funds and a Food and Beverage Festival with participating restaurants and suppliers. The CCRC is also committed to extend support to the stakeholders in the industry with the necessary authorities when the need arises. 

“All our members are dealing with many challenges and difficulties due to the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, these really are troubled times and I hope that we can somehow stay afloat and encourage all Sri Lankans to rally round and help their local restaurants. In order for us to continue to be an effective association, we invite more restaurateurs to register with the SLTDA and become members of the CCRC to make it even a stronger association for us to achieve our objectives and also support their operations when possible,” President Harpo Gooneratne said.