\'Hela Viru Rasa Udanaya\' Phase 3 Opens for Public at Negombo
Twenty-three exhibition stalls, erected by 23 Regiments of the Army under the Phase 3 of the Army\'s latest \'Hela Viru Rasa Udanaya\' project, began at Kadolkele Stadium, Negombo this evening (20), showing culinary skills of Army chefs and highlighting the importance of the use of indigenous food varieties among Sri Lankans.\r\n \r\nMajor General U.A.B Medawela, Commander, Security Force Headquarters-West (SFHQ-West) graced the inaugural opening of the mega exhibition of food varieties, accompanied by a host of other senior officers, Thursday (20) evening.\r\n \r\nThis novel approach to resurrect fast dying food varieties of Sri Lanka and related culinary methods, a conceptual notion proposed by Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, Commander of the Army, is meant to encourage the general public on the use of qualitative traditional food varieties and keep them informed of preparation methods in the presence of the visitors to the place.\r\n \r\nEarlier, the maiden one at Nuwara Eliya and the second one at Matara (Phase 1 & 2) proved to be a huge success with more than 100,000 people attending during the four-day period in each phase.\r\n \r\nArmy culinary experts and nutritionists present practical demonstrations at the exhibition venue while highlighting the importance of the use of indigenous food varieties, retaining their nutritional ingredients during their four-day stay at Negombo.\r\n \r\nMajor General U.A.B Medawala as the Chief Guest at Negombo Phase 3, inaugurated the food festival after cutting a ribbon and tasted a few samples on display. The mega exhibition is filled with many different confectionaries, such as Bondi Aluwa, Patta Aluwa, Patta Dodhol, Kurahan Thalapa and aanama and Ambul Thiyal dishes in addition to other main dishes.\r\n \r\nPreparation of leafy vegetables and different other recipes of mouth-watering foods are also on display during these three days (November 20-23) to the public, beginning each day at 10.00 a.m.\r\n \r\nDuring the four-day long food festival, all those exclusive food items, prepared then and there, are sold at concessionary rates with special discounts to the visiting school students. At the venue, a number of chefs from the Army-owned Laya Hotel chain, add flavour to the mega event by preparing Chinese and Middle Eastern dishes, in addition.\r\n \r\nArmy music bands, including Calypso teams would provide rhythmic beats to the exhibition venue on all 4 days.\r\n \r\nFunds generated by the project are to be utilized for the greater benefit of the soldiers and members of their families, including those who have turned disable.\r\n \r\nMajor General E.M.M Ambanpola, Deputy Chief of Staff also visited the exhibition.
