About Us
Who we are
It has long been said by almost all people in all countries that “fast food is unhealthy” and “gourmet food takes too long to prepare.” 3Lankans was formally birthed in March 2021 when 3 individual friends with a shared Sri Lankan heritage were drawn together to challenge these long-held generational food paradigms. Expertise gained from separately selling products at farmer’s markets, catering at church events, establishing a start-up restaurant in a developing nation — all lead to a culminating moment in time when 3 friends realized that the idea of bringing their individual talents, wisdom, and creative juices together was far more compelling that each one operating alone! Simple text messages soon grew into hour long phone conversations, which lead to multiple day in-person meetings — all of which left Ashantha, Denham, and Jerina excited with the burden of a calling upon their lives to bring to life a company that would help the world know that “gourmet food made easy” is a vision worth sharing for all to enjoy!
Jerina
Hey, I am Jerina, but some call me “Berline.” I was born in a small island community in northern Sri Lanka, spent my childhood in a quiet German town hidden in the Black Forest, only to move to the hustle and bustle of London for my university education in Business Management. Following a rewarding career in Finance and a brief stint in Australia, my world-wide travels ultimately landed me in sunny California, where I now live with my husband and 3 children. Throughout my world travels, my greatest comfort food has always remained a Sri Lanka curry meal. I can’t wait to share the unique blend of flavors and aromas from my humble kitchen with the rest of the world.
– Jerina Nandakumaran
Denham
Hi, I am Denham, though many call me “Don.” Like most of us, I’ve worn many hats throughout my life. An avid school cricket player turned cricket fanatic, a Marketing lecturer turned CEO at Global Education Platform (UK), a food enthusiast turned restaurateur at KOTTULABS till 2020 (Sri Lanka). My recent joy was in becoming a newly married husband. Since early childhood, my one constant love has always been a “well-cooked meal.” It has taken me till adulthood to realize that mastering the art of cooking is a life-long journey. I hope to help others taste a little bit of the Sri Lankan cuisine that I have long treasured!
– Denham Perera
Ashantha
Hello, I am Ashantha, but my friends call me “Ash.” I was born and raised in Sri Lanka with a solid background in Marketing. My love for hospitality and the service industry truly blossomed during my 7 year run with Qatar Airways as a flight attendant. My extensive travels tasting the cuisines of over 40 nations has lead me to currently concentrate my efforts as a private chef in the greater Los Angeles area. The locals know me as the “Smiling Islander.” My wife and I love investing our lives in the international community. I believe food is an art, food is life and food brings communities from all over the world together.
– Ashantha Rubera