Yangon: The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Yangon, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan community in Myanmar, recently organized an event titled ‘Flavors of Sri Lanka 2024′ to celebrate seventy-five years of diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and Myanmar. The event, which aimed to promote Sri Lankan cuisine and tourism, was held at the Pan Pacific Hotel in Yangon on November 9, 2024, attracting around two hundred visitors.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, the event was graced by notable personalities including the Minister for Social Welfare of the Yangon Region Government, Htay Aung, and Mayor and Chairman of Yangon City Development Committee (YCDC), U Bo Htay. Other attendees included Ambassadors, Heads of Mission, Chargé d’ Affaires of diplomatic missions, UN representatives, officials from various institutions, prominent business figures, travel and tour agents, media personnel, and members of the Sri Lankan community. The event received coverage from The Global New Light and the ‘MITV’
channel, highlighting its cultural significance.
Guests at the event were treated to the vibrant and diverse flavors of Sri Lanka in a setting enriched with traditional Sri Lankan artifacts and scenic displays that showcased the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. The event also featured continuous tourism promotional videos from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and documentary footage, with Sri Lankan classical music enhancing the atmosphere.
An array of authentic traditional Sri Lankan dishes was served, emphasizing the rich culinary heritage of the island. The event aimed to strengthen relations between the tourism sectors of both countries, promoting economic development. Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Myanmar, Prabashini Ponnamperuma, expressed her gratitude to the attendees and highlighted the medicinal value of Sri Lankan cuisine, inviting everyone to visit Sri Lanka and experience its attractions and hospitality.
The Ambassador also noted that 2024 marks a significant milestone of 75 y
ears of diplomatic relations between the two nations and emphasized that sharing traditional gastronomy is a fitting way to celebrate such achievements, fostering greater understanding and awareness between the peoples of Sri Lanka and Myanmar.
The event was supported by various sponsors, including the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, Dilmah Tea Company in Myanmar, Sri Lanka Tea Board, Carlsberg Company, and Red Mountain Wine Company. The Ambassador extended her appreciation to the committee members, the Sri Lankan Association in Myanmar, the Pan Pacific Hotel staff, and the Embassy staff for their contributions to the success of the food fest.