KARACHI: On 7th February 2019 at Pearl Continental Hotel the Sri Lankan Consulate in Karachi organized a three day Sri Lankan Food Festival in honour of the 71st Independence Day Celebration of Sri Lanka. The consular corp and a large cross section of the city’s elite, including industrialists, businessmen, Seniors of Travel industry and professionals had responded to the invitation, making the event all the more impressive evening.
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Guest of Honor, Brigadier Hemantha Bandara, Defense Adviser, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad and His Excellency G.L. Gnanatheva, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi greeted all the distinguish guests upon their arrival.
The Food festival was inaugurated with a prayer by lightening a Sri Lankan traditional lamp, along with the Sri Lankan dignitaries, Honourable Chief Guest Minister of Sindh for Energy, Mr. Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh also participated in the ritual.
In his welcome speech His Excellency G.L. Gnanatheva, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi stated “Pakistan and Sri Lanka always enjoy very close and warm relations and this relationship will further strengthen and consolidate by similar events as of today’s nature. We hope this will bring people of both countries further closer to each other through the understanding of their culture, tradition, history, food systems etc.”
He further said “Today’s function is to introduce Sri Lanka through its delicious authentic spicy cuisine prepared by a leading Galadari Hotel Chef from Sri Lanka with the traditional dance performance by the Sri Lankan army dance troupe, setting an appropriate ambiance for a fine dining experience of Sri Lanka. We hope this will inspire you all to be true and close friends of Sri Lanka. This Sri Lankan Food & Cultural Festival will highlight the rich cultural heritage and intrigue of Sri Lanka. We can also find a number of interactive demonstrations, live performances, Ceylon Tea demonstrations and tasting, captivating videos of Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes etc. during the event.”
He concluded his speech saying, “I deeply appreciate all those who supported and cooperated with us to materialize this event”.
In his keynote speech, Guest of Honor, Brigadier Hemantha Bandara, Defense Adviser, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad said that “Sri Lanka’s relations with Pakistan have developed over six decades, characterized by a true spirit of mutual respect, good understanding and excellent co-operation. “ He added, “Pakistan and Sri Lanka share many similarities in the traditions and culture that could help consolidate the special bond between the two countries.”
Honourable Chief Guest Minister of Sindh for Energy, Mr. Imtiaz Ahmed Shaikh also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the strong socio-economic relations of both the countries.
A festive celebration was showcased to all the honorable attendees; Traditional Sri Lankan dances were performed by the Sri Lankan air force troupe beautifully on Sri Lankan & Pakistani music that fused the two cultures gracefully.
A buffet with a vast range of delectable Sri Lankan food was prepared using authentic spices by a certified and experienced chef who was flown in from Sri Lanka especially for the event to ensure that all guests got an opportunity to experience the true taste of Sri Lanka.
