- Last Updated on 18 November 2024
The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels participated in the European Parliament ‘Fair-Trade Breakfast-2024’, on 13 November 2024, highlighting Sri Lanka as one of the best ethical and sustainable sourcing destinations in the world.
The event was organized by the ‘Fair Trade Advocacy’ Office in Belgium and hosted by the European Parliament's ‘Fair Trade Working Group’ and its Chair, Bernd Lange, a Member of the European Parliament. The Embassy, with the support of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) participated in the event as a special guest. A cross section of fair trade products manufactured by a number of Sri Lankan Faire-trade certified companies was showcased in the event, including tea, spices, coconut-based products and toys.
Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Belgium, Chandana Weerasena addressed the gathering and provided a brief introduction to the background of the diverse range of fair trade products in Sri Lanka, current developments and challenges in the fair trade sector. Further, on behalf of Sri Lankan stakeholders, Ambassador pointed out key areas that Sri Lanka needs support from relevant EU institutions and international fair trade organizations.
Managing Director at the Fair Trade Advocacy Office, Jorge Conesa de Lara highlighted that securing fair trade structures based on mutually beneficial collaborations with producers, farming communities and partner countries must be central to the process when entering legislation to advance sustainable development.
A young producer from the Offinso Fine Flavour Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Society Limited, Juliana Asiedu highlighted the urgent need to support farmers to adapt to climate change, urging policymakers to place farming communities at the heart of decision-making. Founder of the fair trade verified jewelry brand, SeeMe, Caterina Occhio whose extensive work in promoting gender equality through ethical and fair trade practices demonstrated how these efforts not only contribute to global justice but also transform the lives of producers.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, and Co-chair of IPES-Food Olivier De Schutter was also among the distinguished guests in attendance. Further, a number of MEPs from the European Parliament, a large number of members from International and European Fair-Trade Networks, Civil Society Organizations, and other Missions to the European Union also joined the event.
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The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Brussels together with Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resorts & Spas organized an event titled “A Journey of Healing and Rejuvenation”, to promote Sri Lanka’s wellness tourism sector and Ayurveda. The event held in Brussels on 29 October 2024 was attended by over 25 leading professionals from the wellness tourism sector including outbound tour operators, travel agents, travel writers, journalists, and enthusiasts attended the event. Ambassador of Sri Lanka to Belgium, Chandana Weerasena provided an overview of Sri Lanka’s rich Ayurvedic heritage, which has been a cornerstone of the island’s health and wellness culture for centuries. He encouraged participants to explore Sri Lanka’s unique offerings in the wellness tourism sector and to promote its vibrant tourism sector among Belgian and European travellers. An interactive presentation was conducted by Senior Marketing Manager - Leisure of Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resorts & Spas in Sri Lanka, Ushan Edirisinghe, highlighting the history and significance of “Hela Wedakama” and “Ayurveda” in the Sri Lankan culture. He shared insights into the generational knowledge and specialized treatments offered at Siddhalepa resorts & spas, including comprehensive wellness programmes and treatments for various ailments. Moreover, the healing journey of a foreign cancer patient who recovered through Ayurveda treatment at Siddhalepa Resorts in Sri Lanka, was also shared as a video story. In addition, guests were introduced to and served with four varieties of “Arishtas”, the traditional ayurvedic elixirs. The Embassy had also organized a live demonstration of the preparation of Sri Lankan culinary while highlighting the health benefits of spices, coconut kernel-based products, and other local ingredients. Attendees showed great enthusiasm in savoring Ayurvedic beverages and Sri Lankan food and were keen to discover the nutritional richness and restorative properties of Sri Lankan cuisine. The evening also featured a raffle draw, awarding Philippe Colin from American Express Global Business Travel a voucher for a 7-night stay at Siddhalepa Ayurveda Wellness Resorts & Spas in Sri Lanka, including a choice of Ayurvedic treatments. The event concluded with a traditional authentic and health-focused Sri Lankan dinner. Guests enjoyed Siddhalepa herbal teas and received gift packs containing promotional material on Sri Lanka’s tourism offerings.
- Last Updated on 13 October 2024
The Ambassador and other distinguished guests also witnessed the culinary talents of the international students at the Flanders Culinary Arts Centre of VIVES University. The Embassy and the VIVES University are working towards organising a Sri Lankan culinary session at the Flanders Culinary Arts Centre of the University.
During the programme, Ambassador Weerasena conducted a comprehensive presentation covering Sri Lankan tourist attractions, specialized sectors in tourism and hotel industry, sustainable and eco-tourism in Sri Lanka, and also explained why European tourists should consider Sri Lanka as their next destination.
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