Fortnight-long Sri Lankan Food Festival commences today in Dubai

The event organised by Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau's Middle East Office in conjunction with SriLankan Airlines will provide gourmets, food connoisseurs and the general public alike with an opportunity to sample the exotic taste of Sri Lankan food through till 21st April.

"Sri Lanka boasts an amazing variety of food and styles of cooking. The island has a rich heritage of indigenous dishes and its regional cooking is strongly individual and varied," remarked Ms. Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoori, Middle East Director of SLTPB.

"The Sri Lankan Food Festival is an excellent way of showcasing Sri Lanka's attractions to the clientele of Spice Island which includes Europeans, Arabs and Asians," Ms Al Mansoori added.

Commenting on the airlines involvement, UAE Manager of SriLankan Airlines, Shiran Perera said, "As part of the Sri Lankan Food Festival promotion, those having a meal at the restaurant will be eligible to win two round trip tickets to Sri Lanka and other prizes via a raffle draw. Diners just need to drop their business cards to participate in the raffle and avail the opportunity."

Hassan Yazbek, Director of Food & Beverage, Renaissance Dubai Hotel said, "We are delighted to celebrate the Sri Lankan New Year through our Sri Lankan Food promotion which is now in its fourth straight year. This year, our cooperation with the SLTPB and SriLankan Airlines will bring it to a whole new exciting level."

"Our very own Sous Chef Chandana Kathriarachchi with his award winning culinary team including Assistant Pastry Chef Achala Weerasinghe who was recently named Best Pastry Chef of the Year at the Salon Culinaire will be preparing an array of fiery hot, rich food from the rich heritage of Sri Lankan cuisine such as the distinctive curry. We are immensely happy to welcome back to Spice Island an authentic Sri Lankan experience," Mr. Yazbek said.

Ms Al Mansoori noted, "Cultural attractions, entertainment, shopping, and dining are some of the factors that draw modern day Arab travellers to their preferred destinations and Sri Lanka offers a good product that scores on all counts and is less than four hours flying time away from the Gulf."

"Sri Lanka is one of the best kept secrets in the world as a travel destination, especially for Middle East travellers. The food is exotic and wonderful, the people are gracious and friendly, the accommodation options are first rate and many of the sights are unparalleled anywhere in the world," observed Ms. Al Mansoori.

SLTPB's Middle East office is responsible for all tourism promotional activities in the Arab markets including exhibition participation, marketing visits, presentations and road shows, advertising, brochure distribution, public relations, as well as familiarization visits to the island for influential business and travel journalists.