Sri Lankan restaurant opens on Liebig St, Warrnambool

A taste of Sri Lanka has come to Warrnambool in the shape of a new restaurant. Find out more.

A unique Sri Lankan restaurant has opened in Warrnambool, a huge accomplishment for owners Ravindu Kariyawasam and his wife Nishika Runage.

Rankey’s Zone Cafe and Restaurant on Liebig St, welcomed guests with a buffet of food and traditional Sri Lankan dancing performances.

The owners have been working for years toward their goal and the process took approximately six months for the couple to secure the property, along with getting renovations done in time for the opening.

Ms Runage, who has completed her Certificate III in Hospitality Management, said after working at multiple places and Sri Lankan restaurants, she wanted to open her very own business.

“I thought why can’t I open my own restaurant? Because I have good experience in the field, and I spoke with my husband and he said yes,” she said.

“My husband told me that I have a talent and I can show it to the community especially Warrnambool since it’s a regional area. I can give people something different and it can be a different experience for people.

“We offer Sri Lankan and modern Australian foods, after that we have Mexican, Italian and Indian foods in our buffet.

“People have options and can choose whatever they want and they can try so many food varieties and different cuisines.”

Family owners Ravindu Kariyawasam and Nishika Runage officially open their business on Liebig Street. Picture: Jack Colantuono.

The Rankey’s Zone Cafe and Restaurant is excited to welcome customers to experience their different cuisines.

The team are excited to welcome everyone through their doors.

Locals of Warrnambool and the surrounding towns showed up to support the new business.

Sri Lankan traditional and modern live dancing performances were held as a celebration while guests sat back and enjoyed the atmosphere.

Mayor Debbie Arnott attended the opening ceremony to give her congratulations to the owners.

“Welcome to Liebig St and congratulations, it’s a big effort to open a restaurant and I’m sure you have been working extremely hard and will continue to do so,” she said.

“I urge all the community to get behind these lovely young people and support their restaurant.”

Nishika Runage, Mayor Debbie Arnott and Ravindu Kariyawasam cut the ribbon to welcome the community to their new traditional restaurant.

Rankey’s Zone Cafe and Restaurant is open from Wednesday to Sunday throughout the week.