Life style
Plant-Based Gastronomy: Tales of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage
- Groundbreaking initiative launched in partnership with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Colombo
- Celebrates Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage through a unique culinary journey
- Highlights essence of plant-based cuisine to promote culinary tourism in Sri Lanka
SLYCAN Trust, committed to sustainable development, launched ‘Plant-Based Gastronomy: Tales of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage’ in collaboration with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Colombo recently.
This groundbreaking initiative “Tales of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage” seeks to celebrate Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage through a unique culinary journey that highlights the essence of plant-based cuisine to promote culinary tourism in Sri Lanka.
The official launch event took place recently at the Atrium, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, bringing together many guests and sustainability advocates to witness the unveiling of this exceptional project.
‘Plant-Based Gastronomy: Tales of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage’ is an innovative exploration of Sri Lanka’s traditional culinary practices, emphasising the vibrant array of plant-based ingredients deeply rooted in the country’s cultural heritage.
This collaboration between SLYCAN Trust and Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Colombo aims to promote ethical, sustainable, and climate-friendly dining choices while showcasing the diverse flavours and culinary traditions of Sri Lanka.
Key highlights of the initiative include:
Expanding plant-based food range: Introduction of a dedicated plant-based food corner at the buffet at Plates restaurant at Cinnamon Grand Colombo. This progressive move is designed to cater to the evolving preferences of guests seeking diverse and sustainable dining options. The plant-based food corner hopes to have a carefully-curated selection of culinary delights that celebrate the vibrant flavours and cultural richness of Sri Lanka.
World-class plant-based culinary experiences: Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Colombo “We hope to host a world-class vegan chef this year, adding a layer of sophistication and innovation to the initiative, elevating plant-based gastronomy to new heights said Kamal Munasinghe at a press conference ‘Our culinary prowess will ensure that the dishes are not just substitutes for traditional non-vegetarian options but stand on their own merit as delectable creations that appeal to a wide audience.’ Kamal Munasinghe also added: ” “Partnering with institutions promoting culinary tourism, supporting evolving markets, and aligning with those elevating plant-based cuisine in Sri Lanka, we are delighted to collaborate and contribute significantly to the success of this initiative.”
“Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Colombo, underlining sustainability and local heritage, work closely with partners to enhance ethical practices and cultivate sustainable consumption experiences. We’re not just fostering a vibrant culinary scene but also catering to the chang
Awareness and engagement: SLYCAN Trust, through its EthicalX: Climate and innovation hub and meatless Mondays Sri Lanka initiatives, is committed to promoting ethical, sustainable, and climate-friendly food systems. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Colombo and SLYCAN Trust will work together in creating awareness on food systems work that directly connects with Sri Lanka’s tourism and hospitality industry to promote and scale up awareness and engagement across the island. Both parties will partner in awareness creation activities.
SLYCAN Trust Global Executive Director Vositha Wijenayake, expressing enthusiasm about the project, stated: “As part of this venture, we will be building partnerships with key stakeholders for promoting ethical, sustainable and climate-friendly food options. Among these plant-based food will be one of our priority areas, including plant-based culinary experiences aimed at enhancing the market for locally-sourced plant-based food as well as promoting Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage. We are extremely happy to partner in this endeavour with Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Colombo, and contribute to achieving common objectives.”
Kamal Munasinghe also added: “Partnering with institutions promoting culinary tourism, supporting evolving markets, and aligning with those elevating plant-based cuisine in Sri Lanka, we are delighted to collaborate and contribute significantly to the success of this initiative.”
“Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Colombo, underlining sustainability and local heritage, work closely with partners to enhance ethical practices and cultivate sustainable consumption experiences. We’re not just fostering a vibrant culinary scene but also catering to the changing preferences of the market,” he added.
For more information about ‘Plant-Based Gastronomy: Tales of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Heritage,’ please reach out to info@slycantrust.org.
About SLYCAN Trust :
SLYCAN Trust is a non-profit think tank dedicated to climate change, sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, animal welfare, and social justice, including gender and youth empowerment. Its work spans national, regional, and global levels, encompassing policy analysis, evidence-based research, and on-the-ground implementation across Asia, Europe and Africa.
Trust Global Executive Director Vositha Wijenayake addressing the reception
Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Colombo, Area Vice President and Cinnamon Grand Colombo’s General Manager Kamal Munasinghe, speaking on the partnership
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
…….
The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
