The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Ottawa, in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Community in Ottawa and the Rideau Club, hosted a special cultural and culinary evening titled “Taste of Sri Lanka”, bringing together members of the Rideau club, Sri Lankan community, and guests and friends of Sri Lanka in Ottawa. The event took place on 10 September 2026 at the premises of the Rideau Club.
The event provided an opportunity to showcase the richness and diversity of Sri Lankan cuisine, culture and traditions, while strengthening people-to-people connections between Sri Lanka and Canada.
In his address, Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Canada Chathura Weerasekara, described the occasion as an opportunity to share “the warmth of Sri Lanka” with Canadian friends and the wider. He also noted that Sri Lankan cuisine represents much more than food, reflecting the country’s history, cultural diversity, traditions and the many influences that have shaped Sri Lanka over the centuries.
The Acting High Commissioner further highlighted the important role played by the Sri Lankan diaspora as a bridge between Sri Lanka and Canada, noting that Sri Lankans in Canada make valuable contributions to Canadian society while maintaining strong links with their motherland.
The event also consisted of three Sri Lankan dance items performed by Sri Lankan Canadian students. Some Canadian visitors were experiencing such cultural items for the first time in their life and they were so eager to learn about the traditions and origins of such cultural items from the Sri Lankans in the venue.
The High Commission also facilitated a table consisting of a variety of Sri Lankan tea to the guests to refresh themselves while enjoying the cultural items.
As part of the evening, the High Commission also presented a short video introducing Sri Lanka Expo 2027, highlighting Sri Lanka’s vision to position the country as a premium global hub offering authentic, high quality, competitive and sustainable products and services.
The video presentation invited the Canadian stakeholders, business representatives and members of the wider community to engage with Sri Lanka and explore opportunities presented by Sri Lanka Expo 2027.
The guests were also served with a scrumptious dinner prepared by Chef Nilantha Karunarathna and the team. Chef Nilantha also serves as the Artistic Director of the Rhythmic Nertha Foundation in Canada, through which he contributes to the promotion and preservation of Sri Lankan traditional dance and cultural arts in Canada.
A prominent member of the Rideau club in Ottawa Praveeni Perera, and the President of Sri Lanka- Canada Association Ericka Ushliyanage also played a leading role in arrangements and coordination of the event.
The Rideau Club is one of Ottawa’s established private members’ clubs, with a long tradition of bringing together leaders and professionals from diverse sectors. Located in the heart of Canada’s capital, the Club provides a distinguished platform for networking, cultural exchange and community engagement. Its collaboration with the High Commission provided a valuable opportunity to introduce Sri Lankan cuisine and culture to an influential Canadian audience.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Ottawa
11 September 2026
