Building on Legacy Udayshanth Fernando’s Latest Paradise Road Outlet Opens in Colombo

“Paradise Road is a vision, and my children and I work in unison because our taste is unique. It has its identity: the Fernando identity.”

By Nimaya Nanayakkara

“This is an amalgamation of all our efforts,” says Udayshanth Fernando, widely known as Shanth Fernando, reflecting on the opening of the latest Paradise Road outlet on Galle Road, Colombo 3. Housed in a hard-to-miss, striking black cubic building, the four-story lifestyle space seamlessly blends retail and art, continuing the legacy he built over 37 years. Paradise Road began as a small design and homeware store in 1987, quickly becoming a pioneer in Sri Lanka’s lifestyle and design industry. Over the years, it expanded to include iconic establishments such as The Gallery Café and Paradise Road Tintagel Colombo, earning international acclaim for its unique aesthetic and commitment to quality.

The latest Paradise Road serves as an ode to Shanth’s years of experience in the design sector and distinct taste, while placing special emphasis on the collective familial efforts of the Fernando family that have taken the brand this far. This new venture pays homage to his late wife, Angelika, who laid the foundation for the building.

Shanth describes the outlet as more than just a store. “Two of the floors are retail, and in the lifestyle section, there’s the PR Concept store by my daughter Annika. This boutique celebrates monochrome- Paradise Road’s signature, with limited edition pieces curated exclusively for the space. Then you come to the third floor where you get the gallery (PRSFG), and eventually, there will be a café as well,” he explains. Combining art and retail has always been a hallmark of Paradise Road, and this space is no exception. “The galleries have served as a space that has hosted numerous first exhibitions for both emerging and established contemporary artists, proudly acting as a platform for Sri Lankan art,” he adds. 

Walking through the store, visitors encounter a carefully curated collection of furniture, homeware, dinnerware, and decor. Each piece reflects Shanth’s signature monochrome aesthetic, which incorporates classic Sri Lankan features. “Paradise Road is a very one-taste business, so I stick to my taste and my style, and my style is very timeless. That’s why it has lasted for 37 years,” he explains. With its blend of antiques and modern designs, Shanth emphasizes the importance of discipline in maintaining Paradise Road’s signature look. “It’s about the discipline, and the discipline is what I reflect at Paradise Road.” The new space also features artwork and sculptures by artists such as JC Rathnayake and Chudamani Clowes, enhancing the architectural elegance of the building. Shanth’s approach to supporting local talent remains unchanged. “Anybody who comes to me with talent in craft or design, I listen to them. But I design everything that we sell, so I guide them if they want to retail with us: to follow our aesthetic, to produce goods that will complement Paradise Road,” he says.

The gallery, Paradise Road Saskia Fernando Gallery (PRSFG), is a merger between Paradise Road Galleries, founded by Udayshanth Fernando in 1998, and Saskia Fernando Gallery, established in 2009. Together, they have created a platform celebrating Sri Lankan and South Asian art. PRSFG merges Paradise Road’s legacy of exhibiting modernist masters with Saskia Fernando Gallery’s contemporary focus, emphasising the family’s shared passion for art. “The tastes of my children are an extension of my taste because they grew up in an environment of design, art, and culture,” says Shanth. Even the new building in itself is a tribute to the family as he acknowledges the contribution of his daughters, especially Annika, who designed the new building. “My elder daughter took over the building and created what it is today,” he proudly shares.

When asked about what new visitors can expect when they walk into the new store, he described the magical look in their eyes, stating that “They can’t believe their eyes that in Sri Lanka, there is a store like this.” Looking back on the journey and legacy that he has built, “It really is a family thing, from the little shop I started with. This is an achievement, and it came from very focused hard work in a very difficult place. Paradise Road became internationally recognized, so it is almost like a grand tribute to what I’ve been doing.” 

Despite the rapid evolution in this industry, the core of Paradise Road remains intact. “Paradise Road is a vision, and my children and I work in unison because our taste is unique. It has its identity: the Fernando identity.” 

Pix by Kushan Pathiraja