Sheran De Fonseka & Aloka Pallewela: Building Atmosphere Colombo Together

Atmosphere Colombo is a collaboration between two friends, Sheran De Fonseka and Aloka Pallewela, who come from very different professional backgrounds. Sheran brings years of experience in entertainment and hospitality, having developed more than 12 venues in Sri Lanka, while Aloka comes from a background in paper, imports and exports, and mining, making Atmosphere his first venture into the hospitality and entertainment industry. We spoke to the founders about their journeys, the inspiration behind Atmosphere, their partnership and their vision for the future of hospitality and entertainment in Sri Lanka.

Sheran De Fonseka

1. You have built and developed more than 12 entertainment and hospitality venues in Sri Lanka. What first drew you to the entertainment and hospitality industry, and how has your journey evolved since Kama Colombo?

My journey into entertainment and hospitality really developed from my interest in creating businesses and experiences that bring people together. I began my career in Dubai, where I was involved with S.M.S Facilities Management and Thai2Go, before returning to Sri Lanka and establishing Kama Colombo. Kama was an important starting point for me because it gave me the opportunity to build something of my own within Sri Lanka’s entertainment space. From there, the journey evolved organically into developing different concepts, from restaurants and rooftop venues to bars, clubs and other entertainment destinations. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to be involved in more than 12 venues, and each one has taught me something different about hospitality, people and creating experiences. I think the biggest evolution has been understanding that a successful venue is about much more than just the food, drinks or music. It is about creating an experience that people remember and want to come back to.

2. You have been behind several well-known concepts, including Kama Colombo, SKKY Bar, Sky Lounge, Monkey Business and Flamingo House. What have these ventures taught you about creating successful entertainment experiences?

Every concept has been different, and that has probably been the biggest lesson. There isn’t one formula that works for every venue. The different ventures have taught me the importance of understanding your audience, having a clear identity and, most importantly, creating an environment where people genuinely want to spend time. Whether it is a nightclub, rooftop bar, restaurant or entertainment venue, the experience has to feel cohesive. I’ve also learned that you have to keep evolving. Entertainment and hospitality are constantly changing, and what worked several years ago may not necessarily work today. Our vision has always been to broaden the horizons of entertainment and hospitality in Sri Lanka and ultimately elevate the industry to a global level.

3. What inspired the idea behind Atmosphere, and how is this concept different from the other venues you have been involved with?

Atmosphere came from the idea of creating something that brings together several elements of hospitality under one roof, food, cocktails, music, design and nightlife, while still allowing each part of the experience to stand on its own. What makes it different for me is the balance between the culinary experience and the entertainment side. We didn’t want it to be simply just a restaurant that becomes a bar later in the evening, or simply just a nightlife venue with food. The intention was to create a destination that evolves as the evening progresses. The location at ITC Ratnadipa also gave us an opportunity to create an open-air rooftop experience with a strong sense of place.

4. You and Aloka come from very different professional backgrounds. What made you feel that he would be the right person to partner with on Atmosphere?

Aloka and I have known each other as friends for a long time now, and while our professional backgrounds are very different, I think that is actually one of the strengths of the partnership. I have spent much of my career in entertainment, hospitality and nightlife, while Aloka comes from a completely different business environment. He brings a fresh perspective and a different way of looking at the business. When you’re building something new, I don’t think you necessarily need two people who think exactly the same way. Having different experiences and perspectives can make the business stronger. Atmosphere is very much a collaboration between two friends who bring different strengths to the table.

5. You have spoken about wanting to elevate Sri Lanka’s entertainment and hospitality industry to a global level. What do you believe Sri Lanka can offer to the international entertainment and hospitality scene?

Sri Lanka has an incredible amount to offer. We have the location, natural beauty, food, culture, talent and a very strong hospitality tradition. I think the opportunity is to take all of those elements and present them in ways that can compete with international destinations while still retaining a distinctly Sri Lankan identity. For me, elevating the industry doesn’t mean simply trying to replicate what is happening elsewhere. It is about creating concepts here that can stand alongside international experiences and eventually attract international audiences, artists and brands. That has been part of the wider vision behind my work in entertainment and hospitality.

6. As Atmosphere marks another chapter in your journey, what do you hope people will experience when they walk through its doors, and what would success look like for you in the years ahead?

I want people to feel that they’ve experienced something when they leave Atmosphere, whether they’ve come for dinner, cocktails, music or simply to spend time with friends. The idea is that the experience changes throughout the evening. You can come early for the food and drinks, enjoy the rooftop setting and then stay as the energy builds later into the night. Ultimately, success for me would be creating a venue that becomes part of Colombo’s social landscape, somewhere people choose to return to, not just because of one particular dish or night, but because of the overall experience.

Aloka Pallewela

1. Your professional background has primarily been in paper, imports and exports, and mining. What motivated you to step into the hospitality and entertainment industry with Atmosphere?

My background has been predominantly in industries that are very different from hospitality and entertainment, so Atmosphere was an opportunity to step into a completely new area. The motivation was largely the opportunity to build something with a close friend and to be part of creating a new concept in Colombo. I was also attracted to the idea of entering an industry where the product is ultimately about people and experiences. That is very different from the businesses I have traditionally been involved in, and I found that exciting.

Since Atmosphere is your first venture in this industry, what has the experience of entering an entirely new business sector been like for you?

It has definitely been a learning experience. Hospitality is a very different business from what I have been involved in previously. There are so many details that go into creating the guest experience, from the food and service to the design, music, operations and the way the space feels. At the same time, coming from outside the industry allows me to look at certain things with fresh eyes. I’m able to approach the business from the perspective of someone experiencing it as a guest, while learning from Sheran and the team about the intricacies of hospitality and entertainment. It’s been interesting, but also very exciting, and I see it as the beginning of a new area of business for me.

What attracted you to the idea of partnering with Sheran, given his extensive experience in entertainment and hospitality?

Sheran’s experience was obviously a major factor. He has spent years building and developing entertainment and hospitality concepts, so he understands the industry, the audience and the operational side of creating these kinds of venues in a way that I don’t. But beyond the business experience, we are friends, and that relationship was important. I think when you’re entering a completely new industry, having someone beside you who understands that world is extremely valuable. At the same time, I can bring a different business perspective to the partnership.

2. Coming from a different business environment, what perspective or strengths do you feel you bring to the Atmosphere partnership?

I think I bring a perspective that comes from having worked across different business sectors, particularly paper, imports and exports. Those industries have taught me about business fundamentals, decision-making, relationships and the importance of looking at the bigger picture. Because hospitality is new to me, I can also approach certain aspects from the perspective of a customer rather than someone who has spent years in the industry. I think that difference in perspective complements Sheran’s experience.

3. How would you describe the working relationship between you and Sheran, and how do your different approaches and experiences complement each other?

The biggest advantage is that we come from different backgrounds but have a common objective. Sheran has the industry experience and understands the entertainment and hospitality side of the business, while I come from a more traditional business background. We can therefore challenge each other and look at things from different angles. At the end of the day, because we are also friends, there is a level of trust and openness in the relationship. I think that is important when you’re building a business together.

4. Atmosphere is described as a new chapter in your entrepreneurial journey. What are your ambitions for the venture, and do you see yourself exploring more opportunities in hospitality and entertainment in the future?

Atmosphere is definitely a new chapter for me, and I see it as the beginning rather than the end of my involvement in this industry.

For now, the priority is to build Atmosphere into a strong concept and establish it as a destination that people enjoy and return to. As I become more familiar with the hospitality and entertainment industry, I would certainly be open to exploring other opportunities in the space. What makes this particularly exciting is that I’m entering an industry where there is so much room for creativity and new ideas, and I’m looking forward to seeing where that takes us.