Sri Lankan embassy in Bahrain organizes “Sri Lanka Fest” at Lulu Hypermarket

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Kingdom of Bahrain, in coordination with Lulu Hypermarket, conducted a five-day Sri Lanka Produce and Food Mart, from 29th September to 03rd October 2021, titled “Sri Lanka Fest”, with a view to promote trade, tourism and culture of Sri Lanka, as well as to augment the image of the country, amongst the nationals of Bahrain and foreign expatriates, residing in the Kingdom. The mega event will showcase in all 08 Lulu Hypermarket Stores in Bahrain and expected to be attended by over 10,000 visitors and shoppers, including nationals of Sri Lanka domiciled in Bahrain.

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Bahrain Pradeepa Saram inaugurated the colourful event on 29.09.2021, along with Mr. Fahad Faisal, Senior Executive, International Relations at Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Lulu Group Director Juzer Rupawala. Lulu Group International is one of the largest retail chains in Asia and the largest in the Middle East region.

This year’s event had a number of new products and goods displayed and marketed such as kithul treacle, cinnamon, sea food including tuna, kingfish and prawns, pepper, authentic spices, various kinds of biscuits and confectionary products. Many diversities of healthy organic coconut products such as coconut cream, coconut milk and cold-pressed coconut oil were on the special deals section. A variety of tea and tea-based herbal infusions with turmeric, chamomile and other herbs from signature plantations around Sri Lanka, were also marketed.

Since tourism was one of the key objectives to be promoted, the national carrier “Sri Lankan Airlines” had its stall during Sri Lanka promotional event and offered an attractive tour packages and information brochures to prospective travellers.

Other attractions included the stalls put-up by Sri Lankan origin businessmen filled with confectionary items, spices, handicrafts, handloom and batik products. “Inter Coir Ltd Sri Lanka” had its stall filled with eco- friendly coir products and drew admiration of many eco-friendly shoppers. Ceylon Tea in different flavours such as Dilmah, Devon Tea, Akbar Brothers, and RENUTE Tea were also displayed, while Sri Lankan-run business house “The BookMART”, one of the popular bookstores, offered great promotional deals on bestsellers.

Another feature of the event was the colorful performance of an eleven-member “Thiranga Kala – Bahrain” all of which drew wide applause and appreciation from the audience. Large television screens displayed videos on touristic attractions and traits of Sri Lanka and the Chef from Bahrain based Sri Lankan Restaurant “Zaynah” demonstrated the preparation of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Many of the foreign expatriates and Bahraini nationals were highly impressed of the Sri Lankan cuisine.

The Embassy facilitated Sri Lanka’s participation at “Sri Lankan Fest” as a way forward in revitalizing trade, tourism and cultural promotion in Bahrain.