Nishan Silva, a prominent businessman, has officially assumed office as the 90th President of the Rotary Club of Negombo (District 3220).
The historic and special event to officially confer the presidency took place with great splendor yesterday (October 10, 2026) evening at the main banquet hall of the “Grand Holiday Resort” in Wennappuwa.
The grand ceremony was graced by Kumar Sundaramurthy, the Governor of Rotary International District 3220 (Sri Lanka and Maldives). Several other distinguished guests were also in attendance, including Deputy District Governor Nimesh Sachintha, District Secretary Ian Iddamalgoda, Past Governor Ajith Weerasinghe, Past Secretary Nirosha Marapana, Past Treasurer Jovan Fernando, and the immediate past president for the 2025–2026 term, Ayeshan Guruge, alongside numerous members representing the Rotary Club of Negombo and other Rotary clubs.
The Rotary Club of Negombo is the second-oldest Rotary branch established in Sri Lanka. It was officially founded on March 28, 1938, with 20 members, under the leadership of its founding president, T.W. Hockly, a well-known businessman of that era. Comprising various professionals, philanthropists, and social workers, the Rotary Club of Negombo continues to engage in diverse humanitarian and community service projects for the people of Negombo and surrounding areas.
New Leadership Guided by Vision and Dedication
Taking over as the 90th President of the Rotary Club of Negombo adds another feather to the cap of successful businessman Nishan Silva. His appointment is the result of a successful journey built over years on unwavering dedication and a strong belief in quality.
A Prominent Giant in the Business Sector
Nishan Silva’s journey in the hospitality, hotel, and restaurant industry began in 1987 at the Golden Sands Hotel in Negombo. The experience and expertise he gained while working with leading institutions like Keells and Jetwing provided him with invaluable knowledge. In 1996, he took a bold step as an entrepreneur by opening his first pastry shop in Katuneriya. Not stopping there, he opened another branch in the town of Wennappuwa and further expanded his vision in 2003 by establishing the “Grand Holiday Resort” in Suduwella, Wennappuwa.
In 2011, he entered a different style of café culture by introducing the “Grand Espresso” coffee shop in Negombo. He later evolved these coffee shops into a new concept known as “Premium Coffee Bars.” Continuing to diversify, in 2020, Nishan Silva added another dimension to his business with the launch of “Grand Gastobar.” As he marks 30 years in the business world in October 2026, he is preparing to take another major step forward with “Grand Veridian” in Negombo. His entrepreneurial journey stands as a prime example of unwavering commitment and visionary leadership.
Quality and Relationships
Nishan Silva is a remarkable figure not only because of the business empire he has built, but also because of how he built it. He is a businessman deeply committed to quality, excellent customer service, and creating memorable experiences for people.
Addressing the gathering briefly, Disney Fernando, a member of the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Negombo, noted that Nishan’s personality extends far beyond the business sphere. He described him as a loving husband, a dedicated father, and a loyal friend who puts his utmost dedication into everything he does. Fernando added that Silva is known as a man of his word—someone whose promises can be completely trusted.
New Leadership for the Rotary Club
As Nishan Silva takes on the responsibility as the 90th President of the Rotary Club of Negombo, there is no doubt that he will bring immense service to society through these core values.
As a successful entrepreneur and a person of noble human qualities, it is expected that Nishan Silva, in his capacity as the 90th President for the upcoming year, will bring great light to society as a whole through various humanitarian and community service initiatives for all communities in and around Negombo.
The “Meepura” news web portal extends its warmest congratulations to him on his new journey.
Reported by: Thushara Rohan Fernando