NIMAL JAYAWARDENA'S ENTREPRENEURIAL business interests span music and sports promotion, a nightclub and street parties.
Although he grew up here, he moved to study in the United States before returning five years ago. In his mid-20s, with little business experience, he started the now-established SoHo nightclub Amnesia, which brings in DJs from overseas and spawned Spy magazine, now available in Singapore, New Zealand and Australia.
In 1998, he formed Black Sun Marketing, a consulting firm for the music business. Today the company is under the umbrella of the Matrix Entertainment Group for whom Mr Jayawardena is a partner. He's on the move constantly, representing a range of clients across the region. He is currently working on (Spanish football team) Real Madrid's upcoming Asian tour.
Last year, Mr Jayawardena was named chairman of the SoHo Association, which represents more than 30 businesses in the district.
The same year he was the force behind the SoHo Carnival street party, which pointed to a new understanding in the previously sour relations exhibited between the government and businesses there.
Another carnival will be held this month as a celebration of the retreat of Sars and a way of bringing more residents and tourists to the SoHo area.