World spice summit today

by Anjana Gamage

While the political debate in the run up to the country's Presidential Elections gets spicer by the day, the first Sri Lankan World Spice Summit begins at the Waters' Edge today at 7 p.m.

Top chefs from several countries with a tradition of spicy food such as Malaysia, India, Mexico, Indonesia and Thailand will participate in the inaugural world spice summit organised by the Sri Lanka Tourist Board (SLTB).

Sri Lanka is a country which has a long association with spices over many years and the experts in the field of hospitality industry believe that the event would definitely place the country on the international cuisine map.

According to sources, cinnamon and cardamoms are both native to Sri Lanka and the country is also a major supplier of pepper, cloves, nutmeg and maize. However, Sri Lanka is supplying almost 90 per cent of the world's cinnamon between 7,500 to 10,000 tonnes annually.

"The world spice summit will give us an exclusive opportunity to showcase Sri Lankan cuisine, culinary art and culture with other countries in one unique setting," SLTB Chairman Udaya Nanayakkara, said.

The spice summit festival which begins today will be continued till October 16.

The programme includes a seven day food promotion with the participation of Colombo's top hotels, followed by a two-day food festival open to the public.