The Embassy of Sri Lanka to the USA in Washington DC in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, presented Sri Lanka’s unique culinary authenticity at the "Annual Embassy Chef Challenge" a culinary competition between nations to foster culinary diplomacy held on 07 March 2024 at the Union Station in Washington DC. Ambassador of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C. Mahinda Samarasinghe graced the occasion.
At this well attended annual event of around 1,500 visitors, 23 Washington DC based Embassies from five continents showcased their culinary talents with food preparation skills and signature delicacies.
Sri Lanka was represented at the event by Chef Suranga Gunawardenage of “Sigiri” which is a renowned Sri Lankan restaurant based in New Jersey. He received public compliments for his spicy Chicken and Cheese kottu dishes due to their unique taste and attractiveness of live cooking demonstrations. All participating Chefs were required to present one pre-prepared food item for sampling and for consumption by visitors.
At the Sri Lankan culinary stall, an awareness program on Sri Lankan Spices and Ceylon Tea was conducted while providing the visitors with the opportunity to taste freshly brewed Pure Ceylon Tea.
The Embassy, seizing the opportunity, showcased the country's diverse tourist attractions through the display of vibrant photographic sceneries and the screening of tourist-oriented videos. These videos portrayed pristine beaches and green mountain landscapes, highlighting Sri Lanka's tourism ranging from adventure and wellness to wildlife that fascinated the attendees. Moreover, a large volume of tourist promotional brochures were distributed among the visitors.
Additionally, making the event more colorful, many countries presented live cultural dancing performances on showcasing their cultural heritage. A Sri Lankan dancing troupe “Natamu School of Traditional Sri Lankan Dance” based in Maryland, led by Chathuri Wickramaarachchi, staged a cultural dancing performance of “Kuweni” that showcased Sri Lanka’s rich traditional dance heritage.
The Embassy Chef Challenge is an event organized by the “Event DC” which is the premier host of conventions, sports, entertainment, and cultural events in the nation’s capital of Washington DC, offering an outstanding platform to celebrate culinary diplomacy to showcase diverse culture of countries through food, beverages and entertainment.
Embassy of Sri Lanka
Washington D.C.
13 March 2024
