Leading this exciting new chapter is Amantha Perera, a 23-year-old entrepreneur, stand-up comedian, and digital content creator. Known for his unfiltered takes, bold marketing tactics, and ability to transform ideas into movements, Amantha brings a fresh wave of energy to the brand
Colombo’s coffee culture has been steadily growing over the past decade, with boutique cafés, artisanal blends, and matcha rituals carving out a vibrant lifestyle trend among city dwellers. At the heart of this movement is Divide, the iconic coffee and matcha spot that first rose to fame on Ward Place. Now, in a move that marks both growth and reinvention, Divide has expanded to a brand-new location at Nawam Mawatha, bringing its signature energy, flavours, and style to one of Colombo’s busiest hubs.
The Birth of an Icon
Divide was never just another coffee shop. Founded by two of Colombo’s most dynamic entrepreneurs, Sajeev De Silva, the creative mind behind Tea Avenue and Empire, and Shehan Ariyarathne, known for Culture by Ari, Thambili Culture Boutique, and as the co-founder of Organic, the café quickly stood out from the city’s growing coffee scene. From the moment its doors opened on Ward Place, Divide tapped into Colombo’s pulse. Its now-famous mirror wall became a social media staple, ceremonial matcha rituals sparked a fresh obsession among the city’s youth, and its carefully sourced specialty coffee beans converted casual drinkers into loyal patrons. What set Divide apart was its understanding of Colombo’s fast-paced lifestyle. Its grab-and-go concept appealed to office workers, students, and creatives alike, offering a space that was not only efficient but also stylish. Whether it was a quick caffeine fix, a casual catch-up, or a quiet recharge between commitments, Divide became the place to be.
A Bold New Chapter
Now, Divide is taking its vision further by franchising for the very first time, a bold move that signals both trust in its brand identity and confidence in its cultural relevance. Leading this exciting new chapter is Amantha Perera, a 23-year-old entrepreneur, stand-up comedian, and digital content creator. Known for his unfiltered takes, bold marketing tactics, and ability to transform ideas into movements, Amantha brings a fresh wave of energy to the brand. As the first-ever franchisee of Divide, he has taken on the task of replicating the essence of Ward Place while adapting it to the unique rhythm of Nawam Mawatha. “I’ve always believed in creating things that become part of people’s lifestyle; not just products they buy,” Amantha reflects. “Divide has already become that for Colombo, and franchising it felt like the next natural step. Nawam Mawatha is just the beginning.”
Why Nawam Mawatha?
The choice of Nawam Mawatha is no accident. Located in the beating heart of Colombo’s corporate and student communities, the area is alive with office-goers rushing between meetings and university students weaving through busy lecture schedules. For both, coffee is less of a luxury and more of a daily ritual. Divide’s new outlet caters perfectly to this demand. Compact and efficient, it mirrors the Ward Place model while offering the convenience and accessibility that Nawam Mawatha’s bustling population needs. Whether it’s a morning coffee ritual for corporate workers or an affordable, high-quality caffeine hit between classes, Divide is positioned to serve the city at its busiest crossroads.
Amantha’s Vision
Amantha Perera’s involvement ensures that the Nawam Mawatha branch is more than just a copy-paste of the original. As a co-founder of the marketing agency Organic, he understands how to craft brands that resonate with young, connected audiences. His unique blend of entrepreneurial drive and creative storytelling is already shaping Divide’s expansion into something that feels authentic yet forward-thinking. By choosing Nawam Mawatha, Amantha is not only tapping into a strategic location but also making a statement: coffee culture in Colombo is ready to expand beyond traditional neighborhoods and into the arteries of the city’s corporate and educational hubs.
What to Expect
The Nawam Mawatha outlet stays true to Divide’s DNA. Expect the same minimalist design, Instagram-worthy aesthetic, and a menu that strikes a balance between premium coffee experiences and quick, on-the-go convenience. Whether you’re team matcha or team coffee, Divide offers both with the same dedication to quality that has defined its reputation. And yes, the mirrors are still there, so you can count on it being a hotspot for Colombo’s next wave of coffee-fueled selfies.
Brewing the Future
Divide’s expansion to Nawam Mawatha is more than just the launch of another café. It is a reflection of Colombo’s evolving urban culture, one that values speed, quality, and style in equal measure. By franchising, Divide opens the door for more young entrepreneurs like Amantha Perera to shape the city’s lifestyle experiences in bold new ways. As Amantha himself puts it, Nawam Mawatha is only the beginning. If Divide’s journey so far is any indication, Colombo can expect more mirror walls, more matcha rituals, and many more cups of specialty coffee to define its mornings. In a city that thrives on reinvention, Divide continues to prove that it’s not just serving coffee; it’s serving a culture
