About

Popularly known as one of Sri Lanka’s very first DJ and entertainer, Harpo Gooneratne has worked his way through the hospitality industry to become one of Sri Lanka’s great success stories.

Harpo Gooneratne moved from DJing on weekends and in the night to graduate from Hotel school and then joining a 5 star hotel as Sri Lanka’s first entertainment manager. It was under him that the famed Library Lounge and Night Club was born and after 10 years he moved to Hilton Colombo as Business Development Manager.

His love for creating concepts where people can relax and unwind and find something different to do led to the development of Millennium Park, which is now known as Excel World. He then served as Entertainment Consultant for Hilton hotels in China and Japan where he advised them on setting up night clubs and entertainment activities within the hotels. He returned to Colombo as General Manager for Crescat Blvd for a period of 2 years. The next step- was to manage his own company under Harpo Productions in 2004 now branded under Harpo’s Cafes & Restaurants.

People often don’t see themselves being successful and running a successful organization when they are young. They often grow in to it as they mature with a little luck and a lot of hard work. It was slightly different for Harpo, “I always knew what I wanted and my dream was to be who I am now. I’ve always wanted to be around people and create concepts that people can enjoy”.

“Harpo’s vision of providing an efficient and courteous service within a homely environment was realized when The Bay Leaf  restaurant was born in 2004 then The Commons Coffee House in 2005, Harpo’s Pizza brand in 2007 and  Park Street Mews and Café Che in 2009

Events have also been his forte with his DJ’ing and entertainment background and he has coordinated many famous local and int’l events in Colombo during the last nearly 20 years.

His focus lies in expanding his brands and business. “My business is still young and requires a lot of my time and attention… and I love getting my hands dirty, which is why I spend a lot of time at the restaurants speaking to my customers and making sure things are right…” he said.

Managing different entities is never easy but Harpo seems to be on the ball. The Bay Leaf, The Commons Coffee House, The Park Street Mews, Café Che and Harpo’s Pizza all managed by him.