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” on 10 September 2026 at the Rideau Club, bringing together members of the Club, the Sri Lankan community, and friends and guests of Sri Lanka in Ottawa.
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 community. He noted that Sri Lankan cuisine represented much more than food, reflecting the country’s history, cultural diversity, traditions and the various influences that had 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 featured three Sri Lankan dance performances by Sri Lankan Canadian students. The performances provided an opportunity for Canadian guests, some of whom experienced such cultural traditions for the first time, to learn about their origins and significance.
The High Commission also facilitated a tea table featuring a variety of Sri Lankan teas for guests to enjoy during the cultural performances.
As part of the evening, the High Commission 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 Canadian stakeholders, business representatives and members of the wider community to engage with Sri Lanka and explore opportunities presented by Sri Lanka Expo 2027.
Guests were served a dinner prepared by Chef Nilantha and his team. Chef Nilantha also serves as the Artistic Director of the Rhythmic Nitra 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 the Sri Lanka-Canada Association, Erica Ushliyanage, played a leading role in the 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 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 a Canadian audience.
High Commission of Sri Lanka
Ottawa
14 September 2026
