Lankans hungry for native food

Only five Lankan restaurants, 76,000 Lankans in Qatar:

There are only five Sri Lankan restaurants in Qatar catering to 76,000 Lankan expatriates.

There are only two Sri Lankan supermarkets in Qatar and one of them is run by an Indian (as a major partner), a Sri Lankan diplomat said.

One of the five eateries selling Sri Lankan cuisine is located in the industrial area, which has a large population of low-income Sri Lankan workers.

The diplomat said the size of the Lankan population in Qatar was currently 76,000 and the number is increasing as more compatriots are taking up jobs there.

There are a few freight forwarders in Doha as well who exclusively import Sri Lankan foodstuff and other items of daily use for sale locally. Fresh vegetables imported from Sri Lanka are available in major shopping complexes on a daily basis as the consignments arrive by air.

Qatar Airways has 14 flights to Colombo a week, said the diplomat.

The diplomat said Sri Lankan businessmen are now paying attention on the dearth of Lankan eateries and supermarkets and may take advantage of the gap.

There is the need to create awareness about the business and investment opportunities in Qatar to exploit the potential fully, he added.

Courtesy: The Peninsula