Life style
Slow Food at Mount Lavinia Hotel made a grand comeback with Anura Dewapura
The first Slow Food event for the yearrecently 2024 was held at the newly renovated Horizon Rooftop Mount Lavinia Hotel.This occasion brought together many prominent figures, including the German Ambassador, the Cuban Ambassador, corporate leaders, key opinion leaders and media partners, a press release said
Slow food, a concept that emphasizes the importance of locally sourced ingredients and the connection between food and the environment, made a grand comeback with the leadership of Anura Dewapura – Chief Operating Officer of MLHG. Known for hosting a variety of Slow Food events in the past, “Slow Food Italia” was the first of the series of twelve slow food events MLH has planned for this year, each highlighting a different cuisine every month.
Anura Dewapura said “The Slow Food events held monthly serve as a vital platform for recognizing and appreciating the significance of slow food practices. By fostering a dialogue around this concept, the hotel aims to create a network of advocates who can promote sustainable and mindful eating habits.” he said. These events provide an opportunity for individuals from various backgrounds to come together and share their experiences, knowledge, and ideas.
Cuban Ambassador Andrés Marcelo Garrido with Chef Riccardo
Federica Rocchi (Ceccato Colombo) with her colleague
The overarching objective of the event was to acknowledge and highlight the efforts of local vendors, vegetable growers, fishers, who support the concept of Slow Food and especially those who conduct their business practices on the values of “Slow Food”. These individuals and businesses were given the opportunity to display their products and showcase the authenticity of their offerings. Notable supporters in attendance included Ceccato Colombo, Forest Garden Organic Vegetables, Maia Cheese, GHG Colombo, Maybury Fine Foods Lanka and Agro Lanka.
The evening commenced with a delightful cocktail reception and presentation at the Maitland State Room. Anura Dewapura (COO of MLHG), shared insights into the hotel’s comprehensive sustainability strategy, emphasizing that the Slow Food event was only one aspect of their commitment to responsible practices. Notably, Mount Lavinia Hotel was the pioneer in introducing the concept of slow food to Sri Lanka back in 2009 when Dewapura served as the hotel’s General Manager.
Furthermore, they were also the first to initiate the comprehensive “Green Going Greener” project, which earned them the prestigious EarthCheck Silver and Bronze awards in 2010 and 2011, respectively. The hotel is excited to reintroduce these initiatives once again. Mount Lavinia Hotel also has been at the forefront of embracing a plant-based lifestyle for over a decade – with its pioneering efforts in promoting Veganism recently unveiled the “MLH Plant-Earth Market“, the country’s first-ever vegan market. This market will operate monthly on Poya days at the terrace, coinciding with the hotel’s vegan buffet and vegan high tea.
Following the cocktail reception, guests were treated to a delectable dinner featuring mouthwatering Italian dishes crafted with the ingredients provided by the event supporters. This captivating dining experience took place at the rooftop, offering breathtaking views of the surroundings.
Mount Lavinia Hotel’s commitment to sustainability and responsible practices extends far beyond the Slow Food event. With a deep-rooted belief in environmental consciousness, the hotel consistently strives to implement measures that minimize its ecological footprint.
“Slow Food Italia”
showcased the hotel’s dedication to sustainability, responsible practices, and supporting local vendors. By bringing together influential indivduals and providing a platform for dialogue, the hotel is actively shaping a network of advocates for slow food practices.
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
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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. .
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