Sri Lankan Embassy hosts International Chef Challenge media preview dinner

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington had the distinct pleasure of hosting the media preview dinner of the 11th International Chef Challenge at the Sri Lanka Residence in Washington DC on 20 March. 

The ‘International Chef Challenge’ is an annualculinary feature, jointly hosted by Events DC and Trade Centre Management Associates (TCMA) exclusively for the diplomatic community in Washington DC which has become a major attraction and platform to promote culinary diplomacy among the likeminded.The 11th International Chef Challenge which is scheduled to be held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Centre on 2 April will feature authentic cuisine and culinary delights presented by over 30 diplomatic missions based in Washington DC. 

The curtain raiser and media preview dinner hosted by Chargé d’Affaires, SarathDissanayake on 20 March at the Sri Lanka Residence was a unique and rare opportunity for Sri Lanka.The Chargé d’ Affaires of the Georgian Embassy,GiorgiTsikolia joined the gathering as co-host. Among the invited guests in attendance at the dinner included event organisers namely, Events DC, TCMA, etc., sponsors such as Cultural Tourism, Pepsi,Chase together with media partners namely, DC Refined, Washingtonian, Washington Diplomat, Racked DC/BizBash, Thrillist, The African Dream.net Oral Ofari,etc.  Delivering special remarks Dissanayake welcomed the guests and appreciated theircontributionand support forthe eventfor 10 long yearsand making itan annual feature inthe diplomatic calendar.Hecredited the event organisers, sponsors and media partners for its success and popularitytodaythus becoming a much sought after annual culinary feature among the Washington based diplomatic community.

On behalf of Sri Lanka, Chargé Dissanayake took the opportunity toconveyhisbest wishes to the valued sponsors,media partners, well-wishers and chefsfor all success in the 11th Internal Chef Challenge.He then invited the guests to taste and experience Sri Lankan dishes and culinary delights prepared by Sri Lanka Chefs which included hoppers, kottu, fish cutlets, jaggery pudding and others exquisite dishes unique to Sri Lanka.

In closing, Events DC Director of Special Events, Stephen Ball deliveredclosing remarks and a vote of thanks in which he, on behalf of the event organisers, sponsors and media representativesconveyed his sincere thanks to the Sri Lankan Chargéfor hosting the media preview dinner with an exquisite array of dishes and Sri Lankan tea. 

The guests were presented with a pack of gift tea by the Embassy. The Commercial Section of the Embassy coordinated all arrangements in this regard.