(MENAFN- The Peninsula) sanaullah ataullah |
The Peninsula
Doha: The leading retailer of the region Lulu Hypermarket Qatar has launched 'Taste of Sri Lanka' festival, offering the best quality Sri Lankan culinary, grocery ranges, agricultural and organic produce at discounted prices. The festival will continue until February 10, 2023 at all Lulu Hypermarket stores.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Qatar H E M. Mafaz Mohideen, and his wife jointly inaugurated the festival yesterday at Lulu Hypermarket, Ain Khaled branch.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Dr. Mohamed Althaf, Director of Lulu Group International; Kashayapa Ukwatte, Minister Counsellor from Sri Lankan Embassy; Naser Mohamed J Al Marri, Chairman&GM of Doha International Consulting; Ishan Final, CEO & GM of Doha International Consulting; Charith Jayasena, COO, Al Harib Security Systems and Kumudu Fonseka, Chairman-Board of Trustees, Stafford Sri Lankan School Doha.
Lulu Group has been organising this festival annually in all its outlets in the region. By celebrating Sri Lanka festival every year, Lulu Group aims to highlight and promote the unique culinary heritage, and diverse culture and values that are handed down by the generations and various colonial influences that Sri Lanka had undergone in its long-twisted history.
It is also the celebration of the long-standing Sri Lanka-Qatar business ties, which is being nurtured right from the spice trade of olden days.
Speaking at the event Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Qatar H E M. Mafaz Mohideen said: 'Taste of Sri Lanka' festival is offering a wide range of authentic products, including organic and super foods imported by Lulu Group from Sri Lanka.
He said that the festival, organised to mark the 75th Independence Day of Sri Lanka, is showcasing high export quality products targeting all nationalities, including citizens and expatriates.
“I am grateful to Lulu Group for all support that it is extending not only in Qatar, but across the GCC in promoting Sri Lankan products. They are one of our strongest supporters,” said the Ambassador.
He also noted that the business between Lulu Group and Sri Lanka is growing year-to-year not only in exports but also in manpower, providing more job opportunities to Sri Lankan nationals.
“Trade exchange between Sri Lanka and Qatar is recorded about $90m in a year. We are exporting a wide range of products of high export quality to Qatar, including apparels, fruits, and vegetables with special focus on banana and super foods like moringa leaf and coconut,” said the Ambassador.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Qatar H E M. Mafaz Mohideen with his wife inaugurating 'Taste of Sri Lanka' festival in the presence of Director of Lulu Group International Dr. Mohamed Althaf and other officials, yesterday. Pics: Salim Matramkot
Director of Lulu Group International Dr. Mohamed Althaf said that 'Taste of Sri Lanka' festival has been launched on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day of Sri Lanka.
“The festival is part of series of events organised by Lulu Group to celebrate the culinary heritage and culture of different countries. Sri Lankan community in Qatar is one of the largest expatriate populations, which played an important part in the development of Qatar,” said Dr. Althaf.
He said that Lulu Group has an export distribution office in Colombo, which played an important role in increasing import from Sri Lanka to Qatar significantly.
“Sri Lanka has some unique products, which are on high demand in the local and international markets such as organic and super foods. Many Sri Lankan products are well-known for their high quality like tea and spices among others,” said Dr. Althaf.
He said that now Sri Lanka is developing huge organic lines, which Lulu Group will manage to bring to Qatar in large quantity. A wide range of Sri Lankan commodities and agricultural produce are on display at discounted prices, and special counters were set for facilitating tasting and sampling for customers.
The festival has also featured Sri Lankan cultural programmes performed by the students from Stafford Sri Lankan School and Dinu Dance Academy, along with other cultural programmes thereby creating an ambience reminiscing the rich culture and tradition of the nation.