The Culinary Legend
Deshabandu Dr. Publis Silva, a renowned Sri Lankan chef, is a true icon and trailblazer in Sri Lankan cuisine. Chef Publis has elevated Sri Lankan food to global recognition, with his recipes and dishes earning international acclaim.
His entry into Mount Lavinia Hotel came shortly after the birth of his first son in 1956, where he worked with coal in the hotel’s kitchen. Inspired by a local chef at the hotel referred to as ‘Uncle John’, Chef Publis ventured across the island in search of unique local ingredients and traditional culinary methods, which he eventually included into many of the hotel’s signature dishes.
Within a period of 15 years, Chef Publis rose to the rank of Head Chef at the Mount Lavinia Hotel.
Today, Chef Publis is a member of the Board of Directors at Mount Lavinia Hotel. He is also the author of several culinary works and currently holds two Guinness World Records for the world’s largest milk rice and the world’s smallest recipe book.
He counts over 60 years of dedicated service to Mount Lavinia Hotel and in May 2016, he was felicitated for 60 years of dedicated service to the hotel at the Annual Staff Day.
