Vietnam Culture Festival in Sri Lanka Boosts Economic and Tourism Ties

The Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Sheraton Colombo Hotel, successfully organized "Sips of Vietnam" and "Soul of Viet Nam." This event aimed to introduce the distinctive culinary and coffee culture of Vietnam to Sri Lankan and international friends, fostering people-to-people exchange, tourism, and economic cooperation between the two nations. The event was attended by Sri Lanka's Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Senevi, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security, Vimalenthirarajah, along with representatives from diplomatic missions, businesses, media, and a large number of Sri Lankan guests. Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam highlighted the richness of regional Vietnamese cuisine and the diversity of beverages made from Vietnamese coffee. She expressed hope that the event would deepen understanding of Vietnam and its people among Sri Lankan and international friends, thereby promoting people-to-people exchange, tourism, and economic cooperation, especially in the context of newly opened direct flights between the two countries. Sri Lanka's Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Senevi, highly praised the initiative, stating that the growing presence of Vietnamese culture and cuisine in Sri Lanka is vivid evidence of the expanding connections between the two nations following the upgrade of their relations to a Comprehensive Partnership. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Food Security, Vimalenthirarajah, emphasized opportunities for cooperation in trade and business connectivity. He noted that introducing Vietnamese coffee and culinary products to Sri Lankan consumers is not only culturally significant but also opens avenues for product promotion, brand building, and boosting bilateral trade, moving towards the goal of $1 billion in two-way trade. The Vietnamese coffee experience featured participation from businesses and baristas from Aramour, a renowned Vietnamese coffee brand. Guests enjoyed and learned about characteristic Vietnamese coffee varieties while interacting directly with the baristas. For the culinary promotion, Vietnamese chefs from Marriott Danang Non Nuoc Beach Villas collaborated with the Sheraton Colombo culinary team to present traditional and signature Vietnamese dishes. Attendees had the chance to experience food preparation firsthand and interact with the chefs. Notably, the program also included performances of Vietnamese traditional musical instruments and calligraphy, creating an impressive cultural exchange atmosphere. Vietnamese cuisine is becoming increasingly familiar and loved in Sri Lanka. The number of Vietnamese restaurants in Colombo grew from approximately four in 2024 to about ten by 2026. This rapid increase signifies growing interest from Sri Lankans in Vietnamese food and reflects the potential for investment in the restaurant, service, and tourism sectors for Vietnamese businesses in Sri Lanka. With enhanced air connectivity between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, culinary and cultural promotion activities hold significant meaning in boosting two-way tourism, people-to-people exchange, and trade linkages. This program transcends a mere culinary event, serving as a combined effort in cultural diplomacy, food diplomacy, trade promotion, and tourism marketing, contributing to the introduction of a dynamic Vietnam with a rich cultural identity, increasingly integrating with the region and the world.