Celebrate Women’s Day at MA Café : Shirohana Petal Guru

At the heart of this celebration is the café’s essence; an homage to the term “Ma,” a Japanese word that symbolizes the spaces between, like the peaceful gaps found in a well-balanced garden.  It is more than just a name; it is a reflection of the balance, nurturing, and harmony that is at the core of MA  Café’s identity.

For the team at Mā Café, this Women’s Week marks a personal tribute to a woman who not only shaped their journey but also made lasting contributions to Sri Lanka’s botanical landscape; Seela Jayakody, their beloved mother. Seela, one of the first female botanists in Sri Lanka, had a deep passion for nature, sustainability, and the nurturing of life; values that continue to influence Mā Café’s mission today. Seela’s deep love for gardens and plants extended beyond her work; they were the spaces where she found peace, joy, and a deeper understanding of life itself. Her pioneering spirit as a woman in a male-dominated field left a lasting imprint on her family and the world around her. Seela’s commitment to nurturing both the environment and the people she loved created a legacy that continues to inspire. This deep-rooted connection to nature and nurturing is reflected in the very foundation of Mā Café.

Mā Café isn’t just a place to eat and drink; it’s a sanctuary for balance and harmony, where every detail speaks to Seela’s influence. The café draws on the principles of nature that Seela cherished, creating a space where visitors can relax, reflect, and connect. From the plants that decorate the space to the natural materials used in its design, Mā Café is a tribute to the beauty of nature, carefully curated to echo the balance and tranquillity Seela instilled in her family.

The café’s ambiance is designed to evoke the feeling of stepping into a garden; a space where the stresses of modern life are momentarily put aside. Mā Café encourages guests to pause, appreciate the present, and reflect on the nurturing relationships that make life meaningful.

The menu at Mā Café is a reflection of Seela’s love for nature and nourishment. By sourcing fresh, local ingredients and incorporating sustainable practices, the café mirrors Seela’s philosophy of nurturing both the body and the planet. Every dish served is an embodiment of balance, offering a harmonious blend of flavours that nourish both the body and the spirit. The food at Mā Café is thoughtfully prepared to reflect the principles of care, sustainability, and harmony that Seela championed.

This Women’s Week, Mā Café celebrates more than just one woman; it honours the collective strength, resilience, and contributions of women across the world. While Seela’s legacy is at the core of the café’s mission, it is also a space that recognizes the countless women who make a difference every day. Whether they are caring for their families, excelling in their careers, or working toward social change, the café is dedicated to celebrating women’s diverse roles and the impact they have on their communities.

Mā Café sees Women’s Week as an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which women nurture and transform the world around them. It’s a time to reflect on the women who came before us and those who continue to shape our world today. As the café continues to grow, it remains a space for empowerment, offering women a place to recharge, connect, and draw strength from each other.

Looking ahead, Mā Café aims to remain a space that champions balance in all aspects of life, where nature and nurturing come together to create a harmonious environment. It is a place where visitors can not only enjoy nourishing food but also engage in meaningful conversations about the future of our world and the role women will play in shaping it.

This Women’s Week, Mā Café invites you to join them in honouring the women who have shaped our lives. Whether you’re visiting for a moment of tranquillity, a delicious meal, or simply to connect with others, the café promises to offer a space that celebrates the strength, love, and nurturing that women bring to the world. It is a place to reflect, recharge, and recognize the importance of balance; both in nature and in our lives.