Sri Lanka’s world-renowned Ceylon Tea and popular street foods, including Kottu and Parippu Vadai, attracted significant attention at the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) Global Exhibition, “From Seeds to Foods”, held in Rome, Italy, from October 8 to 12, 2026.

According to the Sri Lankan Embassy in Rome, the exhibition, held at the historic Circo Massimo as part of the FAO80+1 celebrations, attracted approximately 21,000 visitors from around the world.

Ceylon Tea was a key highlight of Sri Lanka’s participation, with a dedicated stall at the Asia and the Pacific Regional Pavilion offering visitors an opportunity to experience its distinctive flavours and learn about Sri Lanka’s tea heritage.

A special Ceylon Tea tasting session, organized in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tea Board on October 8, drew considerable interest from visitors.

Sri Lankan street food also took centre stage, with live cooking demonstrations by Chef Praveen Fernando of La Perla Dell’ Asia in Rome, featuring Parippu Vadai and Kottu served alongside Ceylon Tea.

The Kottu demonstration held on October 11 attracted large crowds, with visitors gathering to taste the popular Sri Lankan dish.

Speaking at the event, Sri Lankan Ambassador to Italy Satya Rodrigo described Kottu as a symbol of the country’s diverse culinary traditions.

“Kottu is our street food symphony. You hear the rhythm of the blades before you taste it, and it brings together the flavours of all our communities on one plate,” the Ambassador said.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan students from the academy of Chanchala Bulathwatta performed a traditional dance titled “Rhythm of Harvest” on October 9, showcasing Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage to an international audience.

The exhibition, organized by the FAO alongside the World Food Forum under the theme “Fostering Innovation for Food Security and Nutrition”, featured six regional pavilions highlighting food traditions, agricultural practices and food security initiatives from across the world.

The Embassy stated that Sri Lanka’s participation was supported by the Sri Lanka Tea Board and the Export Development Board, as part of efforts to promote Sri Lankan products, cuisine and cultural traditions internationally. (Newswire)

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The Ministry of Labour has directed the Labour Department to conduct an urgent inquiry into a popular Kottu restaurant chain that has recently drawn public controversy over the assault of an employee. 

According to a ministry statement, Deputy Labour Minister Mahinda Jayasinghe has instructed officials to investigate allegations that employees were subjected to verbal and physical harassment by the individual claiming ownership of the chain.

The probe will also examine whether staff benefits and contributions to provident funds have been properly paid in line with labour laws. The chain, which operates 12 branches across the island, is expected to undergo collective inspections by labour officers.

Reports indicate that some outlets were closed in recent months. The Deputy Minister has asked officials to verify whether workers received legally due gratuities and other payments at the time of closure.

Labour officers are also tasked with recording employees’ views on workplace issues and industrial disputes.

The Deputy Minister has ordered that a comprehensive report covering all these matters be submitted to him by July 7. (Newswire)

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The All-island Canteen and Restaurant Owners’ Association says the prices of fried rice, kottu, and rice and curry packets have been increased by Rs. 20, from midnight today (06).

According to the Association, food prices have been increased due to the significant rise in gas prices.

The Association added that, however, the prices of short eats were reduced by Rs. 10 due to the reduction in coconut oil prices. (Newswire)

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The All Ceylon Restaurant Owners’ Association has announced that food prices across the country will increase from midnight today (31).

According to the association, the price hike is being implemented following the government’s decision to revise electricity tariffs.

As such, the price of a rice packet and kottu will go up by Rs. 30, short eats by Rs. 10, and milk tea and plain tea by Rs. 5. (Newswire)

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