Ceylon Stories - Gallery Café opened its doors to the public on 9 January 2026, offering visitors the opportunity to enjoy its offerings of tea, art, and shisha. Located at No. 9/6A, 16th Lane, Marine Drive, Colombo 3, the café is an authorised dealer for Dilmah and carries a wide range of their products, while also bringing visitors closer to the arts that form a core part of Sri Lanka’s identity, whether through its monthly artist feature or its visual storytelling elements.
Ceylon Stories hosted representatives of Dilmah, artists of Sri Lanka, and members of the media on 21 January 2026, welcoming them to a space that aims to revolutionise the way tourists, both local and foreign, diners, and art collectors engage with all that Sri Lanka has to offer.
Ceylon Stories founders Shazi Salim and Rumaiz Ramzy
The space
The space – previously The Central Perk, a dedication to the beloved sitcom ‘Friends’ – has been thoughtfully reimagined to bring together Sri Lanka’s rich heritage, premium Ceylon tea, and local artistic expression under one roof.
Founded by Shazi Salim and Rumaiz Ramzy, Ceylon Stories was established with a shared vision of creating a platform that meaningfully represents Sri Lankan identity. Through the integration of culture, creativity, and storytelling, the founders seek to position the café as more than a conventional dining space, but as a platform that brings Sri Lanka’s diverse narratives to life through thoughtfully curated food and beverage experiences.
The Ceylon Stories team
Visual storytelling
Conceptualised as a gallery café, Ceylon Stories will feature a new artist every month. Select paintings displayed within the café are available for purchase, enabling patrons to directly support Sri Lankan creatives while taking home a tangible expression of local culture.
The first, whose work will be displayed and made available for sale until 28 February, is Adithi Dinethya Fernando.
Additionally, Ceylon Stories invites visitors to engage with a carefully curated collection of artwork inspired by Sri Lanka’s history, traditions, and contemporary narratives. The café’s interior design incorporates Sri Lankan artisanal elements, including traditional motifs, handicrafts, and visual representations of the country’s people, heritage-rich locations, and internationally recognised destinations. These elements have been seamlessly woven into the space to reflect craftsmanship, heritage, and storytelling through design.
Ceylon Stories founders Shazi Salim and Rumaiz Ramzy (centre) with their children
A sip of Ceylon tea
With Sri Lanka’s global reputation for exceptional tea at its core, the café places a strong emphasis on a refined and educational tea experience. Guests are offered guided tea tastings that showcase the diversity and depth of Ceylon tea, making it a must-visit for tourists, both local and foreign.
In line with its commitment to quality and authenticity, Ceylon Stories operates as an authorised dealer for Dilmah, providing access to locally sourced teas from one of the country’s most respected tea brands. Visitors can also purchase a wide selection of tea varieties following their tasting experience.
A tea tasting experience held by Dilmah
Flavourful offerings
The café further features a dedicated shisha lounge designed to encourage relaxed social interaction, offering a variety of flavours within a comfortable and tastefully curated setting. Complementing this experience is a selection of finely prepared meals and beverages inspired by both local and international cuisines, enhancing the overall cultural and sensory offering.
Positioned as an inviting space for both local and international visitors, Ceylon Stories welcomes creatives, tea enthusiasts, and individuals seeking authentic experiences. With its opening, Ceylon Stories reaffirms its commitment to preserving, celebrating, and promoting Sri Lankan identity through culture, craftsmanship, and storytelling.
Ceylon Stories co-founder Shazi Salim’s parents, Riza Salim and Ilma Salim
The Ceylon Stories menu comprises many local favourites, such as roti,
roast paan, rice and curry, and isso wade.
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