Newest Project, \'Hela Viru Rasa Udanaya\' Goes to Matara with Army Culinary Experts
The newest Army project, meant to enlighten the public on the quality and nutritional value of exotic and traditional food varieties from different corners of the island, \'Hela Viru Rasa Udanaya\' made its second appearance at Matara beach road on Thursday (25) evening when the mega exhibition of food varieties was formally opened by the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, the brainchild behind the realization of the project in coordination with the Security Force Headquarters-West (SFHQ-West), commanded by Major General U.A.B Medawela. \r\n\r\nThis novel approach to resurrect past dying food varieties and encourage the general public on the use of qualitative traditional food varieties was a huge success, with more than 93,000 people attending it in Nuwara Eliya within 4 days. The Matara food festival with Army culinary experts and nutritionists presents practical demonstrations while highlighting the importance of using indigenous food varieties, retaining their nutritional ingredients.\r\n\r\nAt Matara, the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake as the Chief Guest inaugurated the food festival, filled with many different confectionaries such as Bondi Aluwa, Patta Aluwa, Patta Dodhol, Kurahan Thalapa and aanama and Ambul Thiyal dishes. Preparation of leafy vegetables and different other recipes of mouth-watering foods are also on display during these three days (September 26-28) to the public free of charge.\r\n\r\nA new book on food varieties authored by the Army was also released Thursday (25) evening after the first maiden copy was presented to the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake by Major General U.A.B Medawela during the inaugural ceremony. \r\n\r\nDuring the three day long food festival, all those exclusive food items, prepared then and there are sold at concessionary rates with special discounts to school students. At the venue a number chefs from the Army-owned Laya Hotel chain, added colour and flavour to the mega event by preparing Chinese and Middle Eastern dishes.\r\n\r\nThe success of the pioneering project at Nuwara Eliya in April this year encouraged Army chefs and culinary experts to have the second of its kind at Matara since the region is famous for its own flavours, various dishes and specialities. \r\n\r\nThe visiting Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake closely inspected the entire arrangement while exchanging views with Army chefs and culinary experts, engaged in demonstrations. \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. Army music bands, as well as Calypso teams are to provide rhythmic beats during opening hours on all three days.\r\n\r\nDistinguished guests, including parliamentarian Sanath Jayasuriya attended the inaugural event.
