ITC Ratnadipa Colombo has welcomed Chef Prakhar Srivastava as Sous Chef at Avartana, ushering in a new chapter for the restaurant as it continues to present its distinctive take on progressive South Indian cuisine to Colombo’s dining scene.
Chef Prakhar’s journey with Avartana began in 2024 at Avartana, ITC Maratha, Mumbai, where he joined as Junior Sous Chef. Bringing this experience to Avartana at ITC Ratnadipa Colombo, he will oversee the restaurant’s daily culinary operations while upholding its signature approach to contemporary progressive South Indian dining.
His culinary philosophy focuses on seasonal produce and local sourcing, while seeking to rediscover familiar flavours through contemporary techniques without compromising the integrity of the cuisine.
A Culinary Arts graduate of the Indian Institute of Hotel Management & Culinary Art, Hyderabad, Chef Prakhar began his career with leading hotels in India before joining Avartana at ITC Maratha, Mumbai. His transition to Colombo allows him to bring his understanding of the Avartana philosophy to a new audience while exploring the culinary links between South India and Sri Lanka.
Avartana’s fine-dining concept is built around multi-course experiences that combine innovative interpretations of South Indian cuisine with thoughtful presentation, storytelling and personalised elements. At ITC Ratnadipa, this philosophy takes on a local character through offerings such as JIAA, which combines contemporary South Indian flavours with Sri Lankan influences.
For Chef Prakhar, the new role provides an opportunity to build on his experience with Avartana while exploring Sri Lankan ingredients and culinary traditions through a contemporary culinary perspective.
Nestlé Advances Regenerative Agriculture Across Coconut Supply Chain Through Coconut Development Plan
Nestlé Lanka has continued its efforts to promote regenerative agriculture within Sri Lanka’s coconut sector through its Coconut Development Plan, partnering with the Coconut Cultivation Board of Sri Lanka (CCB) to conduct a two-day training programme for coconut farmers.
First introduced in 2024, the initiative has now been carried out for the third consecutive year, with the latest programme extending its reach while strengthening its focus on sustainable farming practices.
Held at the CCB’s Coconut Development Training Centre in Lunuwila, the programme brought together 25 coconut farmers from Nestlé’s supply chain. The training focused on practical regenerative agriculture techniques aimed at improving coconut yields while supporting the conservation of essential natural resources, including soil and water.
Coconut Cultivation Board Chairman Dr. Sunimal Jayakody said the continued partnership with Nestlé provided an important opportunity to strengthen farmers’ knowledge and encourage more environmentally responsible cultivation practices.
He noted that equipping farmers with regenerative agriculture knowledge can contribute to stronger livelihoods while supporting the long-term sustainability of Sri Lanka’s coconut sector. The programme also serves as a platform for knowledge sharing, enabling farmers to enhance cultivation methods and adopt more sustainable approaches.
Nestlé Lanka Chairman and Managing Director Manav Sahni said the company was proud to continue the initiative as the country’s largest exporter of Coconut Milk Powder, highlighting the importance of coconut farmers to its value chain.
He said the latest programme builds on the success of the previous two editions conducted in partnership with the CCB and continues Nestlé’s long-standing commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s coconut industry.
According to Sahni, the training is designed to equip farmers with knowledge and practical skills to adopt regenerative agriculture practices that benefit both the environment and farm productivity. He added that initiatives of this nature demonstrate how partnerships can create shared value for farmers while supporting environmental sustainability.
Chef Prakhar Srivastava Takes the Helm at Avartana, ITC Ratnadipa Colombo
