On the invitation of the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, Ibrahim Ansar, former Foreign Minister of Malaysia and Chairman of the Land Public Transport Commission of Malaysia, Dato Seri Syed Hamid Albar graced the occasion and launched the Sri Lankan Food Festival on 16th October at the hotel.
Dato Seri Syed Hamid Albar, Chief Sanganayaka of Malaysia and Chief Prelate of the Brickfields Buddhist Maha Viharaya, Ven. Dato Sri K. Dhammaratana Maha Thero, the High Commissioner for Sri Lanka Ibrahim Sahib Ansar and other special invitees lit the traditional oil lamp to inaugurate the event. Dr. Publis Silva, world renowned Sri Lankan culinary expert was invited by the High Commissioner to present the culinary exhibition and host the food festival. A six member traditional Sri Lankan dance troupe from Sirinama Art Institute was flown for the event to entertain the audience. The Diplomatic Corps, senior officials of the Malaysian government, travel trade personalities, members of Sri Lanka- Malaysia Business Council and Malaysia-Sri Lanka Business Council, members of the Sri Lanka expatriate associations in Malaysia were well represented at the inauguration.
Addressing the gathering at launch of the food festival High Commissioner Ibrahim Ansar said “the food festival will not only promote Sri Lankan cuisine to Malaysians but it will bring the citizens of both countries closer, understand cultures of both countries and learn from each others cultures. We welcome the exchange of knowledge of spices for both culinary and health research in both countries, as health has become an integral part of cuisine in this modern day and age. Events of this nature will undoubtedly promote existing strong and longstanding relations between Sri Lanka and Malaysia”.
Ms Dianna Lee, Group CEO of the Hotel Palace of Golden Horses and Country Heights Holdings Berhad, speaking on the occasion stated that this is a special event for the hotel and honoured to have such a celebrated Chef as Dr. Publis to inaugurate the Sri Lanka food promotion.
Among the activities lined up for the launch was an opening performance by the specially flown in Sri Lanka Cultural Dance troupe, which impressed the audience with their graceful depiction of significant events from Sri Lanka’s 2,500-year-old culture. Guests also had the opportunity to witness a prize-giving ceremony for an inter-college Kolam competition held earlier in the hotel, in which the team from Sunway University won the grand prize. The centre of attraction of the evening was the wide selection of mouth-watering Sri Lankan treats such as Fish Curry Malu Mirisata, Chicken Chatti Roast and Mutton Devilled, which were especially created and prepared by Chef (Dr) T Publis De Silva. Aromatic spices and delectable flavours of Sri Lankan fare permeated the event, offering guests a glimpse into the artistic traditions and rich culture of the island country.
The Sri Lanka food promotion runs from 16 to 31 October 2014 for lunch and dinner at Carousel International Coffeehouse, Palace of the Golden Horses. The Sri Lanka Cultural Dance troupe will also be performing on selected days during the promotion.(KH)
