In a quiet corner of Colombo, Sri Lanka, the famous Beach Wadiya restaurant has been a cherished spot for locals and tourists alike. This iconic seafood shack, known for its simple yet delightful offerings, has welcomed a string of notable guests over the years, including Britain's Princess Anne and cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. However, the restaurant now stands on the brink of demolition due to a government-ordered coastal clean-up.
Beach Wadiya, which translates to "shack" in Sinhala, has a rich history dating back to 1974. The restaurant, established by Olwyn Weerasekera, has been a staple on the beach long before the tourism boom of the late 1970s. Its fame extends beyond Sri Lanka, with features in international publications like London's Financial Times and appearances in culinary travelogues by renowned chefs such as Madhur Jaffrey.
The Sri Lankan government's Coast Conservation and Coastal Resource Management Department issued an order for Beach Wadiya to vacate within 10 days or face demolition. Despite the deadline expiring on September 10, the restaurant is resisting the order. Suhara Chandrasekera, the founder's granddaughter and a director of the restaurant, argues that the establishment predates the 1981 Coast Conservation Act being used for eviction.
The family of the late founder has taken the matter to court, filing a writ in the Court of Appeal. They have secured a temporary reprieve, with the court ordering the department not to demolish the restaurant for two weeks pending a hearing. Chandrasekera emphasizes the historical significance of the restaurant, stating, "We built in 1974, which predates the law that they were talking about... We have permits dating all the way back to 1974."
The battle to save Beach Wadiya is not just about preserving a beloved dining spot; it's about maintaining a piece of Sri Lanka's cultural and culinary heritage. The restaurant's unique charm lies in its simple setup—no air conditioning, small tables on the beach, and an upper floor added as the beachfront eroded over the years. If the courts allow Beach Wadiya to survive, Chandrasekera hopes to return it to its roots as the only restaurant on the strip.
