A Journey Built on Education, Experience and Entrepreneurial Ambition
Our journey from Sri Lanka to Ireland has been driven by education, professional excellence and a shared ambition to build a successful business through hard work, determination and teamwork.
I hold a Bachelor of Science from University College Dublin (UCD) and a Master’s in Business from Dublin Business School (DBS). My education in Ireland has strengthened my understanding of business management, strategic planning and the Irish commercial environment.
With nearly 20 years of professional banking experience, including senior management roles in leading commercial banks in Sri Lanka, I bring strong expertise in financial management, budgeting, cost control, risk management and transparent business practices. This financial discipline provides a solid foundation for building a responsible and sustainable hospitality business.
My passion for hospitality has led me to gain over three years of hands-on experience managing two restaurants simultaneously in Ireland’s restaurant sector. This experience has strengthened my skills in coordinating daily operations, supporting staff, maintaining service standards and creating a welcoming dining experience for customers.
In addition, my previous experience as a company director in Sri Lanka, combined with my professional marketing background, has equipped me to promote hospitality facilities, develop customer relationships, attract new business and build lasting partnerships.
A Partnership Built on Shared Ambition
An important part of this journey is my wife, Renuka Ranaweera, whose support, professional experience and commitment play a valuable role in developing our business. With a background in the financial field and experience working with well-known international companies in Sri Lanka, she brings valuable knowledge of financial management, business administration and organisational management.
Her contribution strengthens our approach to financial planning, cost management, operational decisions and long-term business development. Together, we combine our professional backgrounds, complementary skills and shared determination to build a business founded on responsibility, quality and genuine hospitality.
We believe that working together as a team, making informed decisions and maintaining a clear vision are essential to creating a sustainable and successful enterprise.
Our Vision for Hospitality in Ireland
Through Gorse & Grain Restaurant & Bar, our ambition is to combine financial responsibility, professional leadership, strategic marketing and genuine hospitality to build a trusted and sustainable hospitality business in Ireland.
At Gorse & Grain, our vision is to bring people together through quality food, warm Irish hospitality and international flavours. We aim to create a welcoming destination for club members, guests, families, friends and the wider community, while contributing positively to the local economy and creating opportunities for future growth.
We believe that lasting success comes from understanding customers, maintaining high standards, managing resources responsibly and continually improving the experience we offer. Our goal is not simply to operate a restaurant, but to build a business recognised for its quality, integrity, service and community spirit.
From professional careers in Sri Lanka to an entrepreneurial vision in Ireland, we are building our future together, one guest at a time.
Rooted in Irish hospitality. Inspired by global flavours. Driven by ambition.