Food Studio has expanded its footprint with the opening of Primo and Smashy at Arcade Independence Square, marking a key milestone in its growth strategy as it moves two of its core concepts beyond traditional mall environments. The launch represents Primo’s fourth outlet and Smashy’s first standalone location outside a mall setting, reflecting a broader shift toward lifestyle-driven, high-potential destinations.
Operating under Liberty Lands & Developments, Food Studio was established as a multi-brand dining platform focused on building scalable, in-house food concepts. Since its inception, the company has steadily expanded its portfolio, with Primo emerging as its fastest-growing brand, while Smashy made its debut earlier in January this year. The latest opening at Arcade Independence Square marks a new phase in Food Studio’s evolution, bringing its offerings closer to where customers live, work, and socialise.
The expansion highlights strong momentum for Primo, with its rapid rollout reflecting growing consumer demand and a clear product-market fit. At the same time, Smashy’s entry into a standalone location signals Food Studio’s confidence in the strength of its concepts beyond mall-based retail. Together, the two brands aim to deliver a more accessible and convenient dining experience, including enhanced availability for delivery services.
Located within one of Colombo’s key lifestyle precincts, the new outlet is expected to strengthen customer engagement while increasing brand visibility in a high-footfall, experience-driven environment. The launch further reinforces Food Studio’s confidence in scaling its homegrown brands across a wider footprint.
Commenting on the expansion, Food Studio Managing Director and Liberty Lands & Developments Group CEO Naveed Cader said the move reflects the group’s evolving strategic direction.
“Food Studio’s expansion beyond traditional mall spaces reflects the direction in which Liberty Lands is evolving as a group,” he said.
Sentido Heritance Negombo marks 10 years with ‘Decade One’ celebration
Sentido Heritance Negombo is marking its 10th anniversary with “Decade One”, a campaign that celebrates the first chapter of a hotel shaped by the coast, the community, and the distinctive character of Negombo. More than a milestone, the initiative reflects on the property’s evolution over the past decade while looking ahead to its next phase of growth.
Since opening in April 2016, the beachfront hotel has grown into one of Negombo’s defining hospitality destinations. Set across 6.5 acres along the coastline, it has built its reputation on contemporary coastal living, a strong culinary identity, and a guest experience deeply rooted in the spirit of Negombo. The property achieved LEED certification in March 2016 and was awarded five-star status later that year, further strengthening its early positioning. It has since continued to earn recognition for design excellence, culinary innovation, and sustainability practices.
A central pillar of its journey has been its close engagement with the local community. From fishermen and catamaran sailors to toddy tappers, artisans, producers, and small-scale suppliers, the hotel has consistently drawn on Negombo’s surrounding ecosystem to shape authentic guest experiences. This integration has positioned the property as more than a place to stay, but as an ambassador for Negombo’s coastal identity, traditions, and cultural warmth on an international stage.
This connection is strongly reflected in its culinary offering. Over the past decade, the hotel has highlighted Negombo’s seafood heritage through curated dining experiences that showcase local ingredients and coastal flavours to global travellers. Its food and beverage portfolio has continued to evolve, most recently with the launch of Iguana Cantina in December 2025, introducing what is positioned as Negombo’s first Mexican restaurant and adding a new dimension to the local dining landscape.
Beyond hospitality, the property has maintained a strong commitment to responsible tourism, community wellbeing, and sustainable operations. In 2025 alone, it conducted tourism awareness sessions for 100 students, led beach clean-up initiatives, supported the National Blood Bank through a donation drive with over 60 participants, carried out community almsgiving programmes, and implemented a skills-based initiative supporting a local king coconut vendor.
The hotel also achieved a 5% reduction in CO2 emissions per room night in 2025, while continuing to maintain both Travelife Gold and LEED Gold certifications, reinforcing its commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Food Studio launches Primo and Smashy at Independence Arcade Square
