LuLu Hypermarket Qatar, the region’s leading retailer, has launched the ‘Taste of Sri Lanka’ Festival, bringing an extensive selection of Sri Lankan food products, fresh agricultural produce, organic ranges, and authentic grocery items to customers at attractive discounted prices.
The festival is being held across all LuLu Hypermarket stores in Qatar and will run until February 10. The festival was officially inaugurated Wednesday at LuLu Hypermarket, Barwa City, by Roshan Sithara Khan Azard, ambassador of Sri Lanka.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Sri Lankan cricket legend, Lasith Malinga, along with several distinguished guests, including Dr Mohamed Althaf, director of Global Operations and Chief Sustainability Officer, LuLu Group International, senior management, and industry representatives.
LuLu Group has been organising the ‘Taste of Sri Lanka’ Festival annually across its outlets in the region in conjunction with the Independence Day of Sri Lanka. Through this annual initiative, LuLu Group aims to showcase Sri Lanka’s rich culinary heritage, diverse culture, and traditional values that have evolved over the years through cultural influences.
The festival also highlights the long-standing trade and business ties between Sri Lanka and Qatar, tracing their roots back to the historic spice trade of ancient times.
Speaking at the event, ambassador Azard, said: “I am delighted to see that LuLu Group has sourced a wide and diverse range of products from Sri Lanka, including tea, fruits, vegetables and organic food items. We are proud that LuLu Group has chosen the occasion of our National Day to celebrate Sri Lankan products at their outlets. This initiative provides a significant boost to producers back in Sri Lanka, especially in the organic sector.”
Speaking about the festival, Dr Althaf noted: “This year the ‘Taste of Sri Lanka’ festival has been launched as part of the celebrations marking the 78th Independence Day of Sri Lanka.
“Lulu Group has organised the festival in co-operation with its export unit, YAS Lanka, based in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Established in 2017, the unit was set up with the objective of strengthening sourcing operations and supplying high-quality products to LuLu’s chain of hypermarkets worldwide,” he added.
“The festival primarily showcases Sri Lankan ethnic and grocery products, along with agricultural and organic produce and highlights the rich and diverse culture and culinary heritage of Sri Lanka”, Dr Althaf said.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, the event featured vibrant Sri Lankan cultural performances, including traditional dances presented by students of Dinu Dance Academy, creating an immersive ambience that reflects Sri Lanka’s rich culture and traditions.
Following the official inauguration of the ‘Taste of Sri Lanka’ Festival, GIEO Active, a sports and activewear brand, was launched by Sri Lankan cricket legend, Malinga in the presence of Dr Mohamed Althaf, senior management of LuLu Group, and the brand’s founders Dr Prasanna Rathnayaka and Muzreen Fowzi. Designed for an active and contemporary lifestyle, GIEO Active offers performance-driven sports and active wear that blends bold design, comfort, and functionality, with a strong focus on sustainability. The brand will soon be available at LuLu Hypermarket, Ain Khaled.
