The historic Galle Face Green near the army headquarters will once again be a hub of activity during the fourth World Spice Food Festival set to take place from November 6-14.
Over the past several years due to the security situation, the Green which was open to the public lay deserted. However since the end of the conflict this year, it is once again teeming with people, food stalls and children playing and flying kites. The Festival is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors when the highlight of the event, the Food Village at the Galle Face Green takes place from 6th to 8th November.
The event which is organized by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) has secured 18 Colombo based hotels and restaurants to participate at the Food Village, manning stalls with 21 signature chefs specializing in various types of cuisine, flown in from Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Spain.
At a press conference this week, Minister of Tourism Promotion Faizer Mustapha said an event such as this could not even be thought of last year due to the security situation.
However this year, he said the world has accepted that Sri Lanka is free from terrorism. Chairman of the SLTDA and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Bernard Goonetilleke said events such as this are important for tourism and developing the art of entertaining tourists and travelers in addition to adding spice and colour to Sri Lanka.
He added that Sri Lanka may also be in a position to have a hawker’s street during the weekends for people who want affordable food in Colombo. With some research on locations, he said this will hopefully come into fruition.
Several events have been scheduled during the Festival including a Spice Art Competition, a Sri Lankan Crab Cooking Competition with the participation of master chefs, cooking with signature chefs for housewives and special cultural performances including Latin American dancing.
Entrance into the Galle Face Green for the Food Village is priced at Rs.300. The themes introduced at the Food Village will continue at the respective hotels and restaurants participating in the Festival. |
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