Sri Lankan Food Festival in Kathmandu

Embassy of Sri Lanka in Nepal opened a “Sri Lankan Food Festival” at the hotel Yak & Yeti in Kathmandu on 25 May with a view to promoting authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and showcasing hot spicy flavours of distinctive Sri Lankan food.

The chief guest on the occasion was Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal, Rabindra Prasad Adhikari.

Deshabandu Dr. T. Publis Silva, Director, Culinary Affairs and Promotions at Mount Lavinia Hotel and his assistant Lakshman Karunarathna were flown in from Sri Lanka for the Sri Lankan Food Festival, which is being held from 25 May to 2 June at the Yak & Yeti hotel. 

Prior to the opening ceremony, a press conference was held on 23 May with the participation of renowned Chef Dr. Publis Silva. He explained the uniqueness of the Sri Lankan traditional food, which usually do not contain artificial flavours or animal fat.  

The main event was inaugurated by the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal on 25 May amidst a gathering consisted of members of the Diplomatic Corps, food bloggers, Nepali dignitaries, media representatives, leaders of tourism organisations, etc. 

While delivering congratulatory remarks, Minister of the Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal stressed that Nepal and Sri Lanka enjoy very close and warm relations dating back to many centuries and that this relationship should be further strengthened and consolidated. Addressing the guests, Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Nepal Swarna Perera elaborated how Sri Lankan cuisine was shaped by historical, cultural and other factors. She added that being an island with tropical climate, coconut, fresh sea food, vegetables and spices are the most influential components of Sri Lankan cuisine. She invited participants to visit Sri Lanka. 

Head Chef Dr. Publis Silva who took charge of preparation of Sri Lankan delicacies presented egg hoppers, kottu, flavoured rice, deviled prawns, fish ambulthiyal, Sri Lankan speciality dessert wattalappam, etc. at the food festival.

Sri Lankan and Nepali traditional dances were performed, adding glamour to the event. 

The hotel was decorated with pictures of attractive tourist destinations in Sri Lanka with Sri Lankan music being played in the background. The food festival was organised in collaboration with Hotel Yak & Yeti.