The Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai organized a Food Festival from 4th to 10th May 2012 at the Revolving Restaurant one of Shanghai’s modern landmarks, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. This is the second time that a country food festival was held at the Tower.
The festival was organized to promote Sri Lanka highlighting the country’s exotic cuisine, cooked by Master Chef Pablis Silva of Mt. Lavinia Hotel.
In deed, the Consulate General was able to make full use of the media channels of the Oriental Group, to which the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Tower belongs. The event received unprecedented publicity for the food festival specifically and Sri Lanka in general, with the generous advertising on bus and underground train network in Shanghai which are used by over 10 million commuters per day, for a couple of weeks prior to the festival drew the attention of locals, expats and tourists alike. Over 5 million people take the bus and train transportation network daily in Shanghai. As a result of this the event drew hundreds of locals, the expatriate community and tourists alike. The restaurant was full to the maximum capacity of 300 on all days of the food festival. Among the invitees for the ceremony were senior politicians, officials from Shanghai, scholars, academics, cultural celebrities, businesspersons as well as the diplomatic corps who enjoyed the rich flavours and the aroma of Sri Lanka food.
During the opening ceremony, Dr. Sha Hai-lin, Deputy Secretary General of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce delivered a message of congratulations for the successful event. Ms. Li Rong, Vice President of Shanghai Women's Federation, the guest of honour, thanked the Consulate General for granting an opportunity for “Shanghainese” to taste Sri Lankan food. The Consul General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai, Ms. Hasanthi Dissanayake highlighted that food being the primary need of human beings, that it should be the first and foremost element in cultural interaction and cooperation. This concept of cultural cooperation is highlighted in the 12th ten year plan of the Chinese Government. She also thanked the Sri Lankan community in Shanghai who assisted in numerous ways in organizing the festival.
Mr. Pabilis Silva explained the use of 42 natural food additives in Sri Lankan cuisine, the medicinal values of the spices used and the uniqueness of the country’s traditional food which usually does not use any animal fat. Master Chef Pabilis was also interviewed by a popular food TV channel as well.
This is the first large public event organized by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Shanghai after its upgrade from a Consulate in July 2011. The event was sponsored by Mr. Lei Lei, CEO of Royal Pathirana International Gem Exports and SriLankan Airlines.
Sri Lanka Consulate General in Shanghai
14th May 2012
