KARACHI: On 7th February 2018 at the pool side of the distinguished Avari Towers the Sri Lankan Consulate in Karachi organized a three day Sri Lankan Food Festival in honour of the 70th 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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His Excellency Maj. Gen (R) Jayanath lokuketegodege, Sri Lankan high commissioner in Islamabad, His Excellency G.L. Gnanatheva, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi and Mr. Ahamad Mazahim, Country Manager Pakistan, SriLankan airline greeted all the distinguish guests upon their arrival.
The Food festival was inaugurated with a prayer by lightening a Lankan traditional lamp, along with the Sri Lankan dignitaries, Mr. Azeem Qureshi General Manager Beach Luxury Hotel also participated in the ritual.
In his welcome His Excellency G.L. Gnanatheva, Consul General of Sri Lanka in Karachi stated “Sri Lanka has 1600 years of written history, which embodies its rich culture and high values of human existence. Sri Lanka has been renowned for its spices in history and Sri Lankan cuisine has been shaped by many historical and cultural factors and through foreign traders who brought new food items from neighboring countries and helped shaping the Sri Lankan cuisine.” He concluded his speech saying, “I deeply appreciate all those who supported and cooperated with us to materialize this event”.
On the inaugural ceremony, in his keynote speech His Excellency Major General (Retd) Jayanath Lokuketogodoge 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. We are very grateful to the Government of Pakistan and its people for their tremendous support rendered to our country in the past and I firmly believe that the collaboration will further flourish in the years to come.”
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.
