Monday May 11, 2026
Monday May 11, 2026
Thursday, 7 May 2026 05:37 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
At the initiative of the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Dr. Ganesanathan Geathiswaran, the Deputy High Commission of Sri Lanka in Chennai successfully hosted the first-ever “Sri Lanka Food Festival 2026” from 24 to 26 April at Green Meadows Resort, Chennai.
The three-day festival provided a unique platform to showcase the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Sri Lanka, offering guests an authentic experience of traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.
The event was organised in collaboration with esteemed partners, including the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo, External Affairs Ministry of India; India Tourism, the Government of India, the Tourism Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu, Dwarka Productions Chennai, and Tarlton Tea.
The primary objective of the festival to further strengthen cultural ties between Sri Lanka and South India, while promoting tourism, trade, and people-to-people connections through a shared appreciation of culinary heritage was successfully achieved.
The occasion was further honoured by the presence of Rotary District 3234 District Governor Suresh Jain, Rotary Club of Chennai Coastal President Navin Gupta, and the Chief Guest Vels University Founder, Chairman and Chancellor Dr. Ishari K. Ganesh.
The event was also attended by Dwarka Productions Blaze Kannan, Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo General Manager Nazoomi Azhar, and Sri Lankan actor Kalana Gunasekara, whose presence added further distinction to the occasion.
The festival witnessed the participation of Diplomatic Corps, South Indian actors, business leaders, members of travel and tourism associations, members of Rotary Clubs, Round Table members, and members of the media fraternity, making it a prestigious and diverse gathering.
Over 700 guests attended the food festival across the three days, reflecting strong interest and engagement from the local community.
In addition, the Rotary Club of Chennai Coastal announced its initiative to donate an ambulance to Sri Lanka and to renovate 30 schools across the country, further strengthening goodwill and support in the healthcare and education sectors between the two regions.
A special highlight of the festival was the participation of an expert culinary team led by distinguished chefs from Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo. Their expertise and authenticity brought the true essence of Sri Lankan gastronomy to Chennai, offering guests a memorable culinary journey with traditional flavors.
Enhancing the cultural experience, the Sri Lanka Police dance troupe presented vibrant traditional performances, providing guests with an immersive glimpse into Sri Lanka’s rich artistic heritage.
The festival also achieved excellent digital outreach, with social media coverage generating over 25,000 views within just three days, further amplifying its impact and reinforcing Sri Lanka’s image as a vibrant cultural and tourism destination.
