‘Sri Lanka Fest’ at Lulu Hypermarket captivates Bahrainis

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 29 September to 3 October, titled ‘Sri Lanka Fest,’ with a view to promoting 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 eight Lulu Hypermarket stores in Bahrain and over 10,000 visitors and shoppers are expected to attend, including nationals of Sri Lanka domiciled in Bahrain.

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Bahrain Pradeepa Saram inaugurated the colourful event, along with Bahrain Chamber of Commerce Senior Executive – International Relations Fahad Faisal, 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.   

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, and various kinds of biscuits and confectionary products. Many varieties 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 own stall, offering 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, and handloom and batik products. Inter Coir Ltd. Sri Lanka also had a stall, filled with eco-friendly coir products and drew admiration from 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,’ offered great promotional deals on bestsellers.

Another feature of the event was the colourful performance of an 11-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 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 revitalising trade, tourism and cultural promotion in Bahrain.