Firstly, I would like to felicitate the Chefs Guild of Lanka on the occasion of Culinary Art 2007, which is their 12th biennial competition involving members of the food and hotel industry. From its modest beginnings in 1988, the Chefs Guild has emerged as the premier professional body of culinary professionals in the hospitality trade. The Guild’s biennial competition showcases Sri Lankan culinary talent, and in the process helps raise standards as well as attract young people who may be interested in careers as culinary professionals. This year’s event, with over one thousand participants competing in both live and static competitions, is sure to be an exciting event as it has been in the past. 

Sri Lanka has a remarkably diverse range of cuisines for a country of its size, which is a product of our multiethnic diversity, tropical abundance, and long history as a cultural crossroads. The many immigrants and peoples that have passed through our island from early to modern times have all contributed to the unique characteristics of Sri Lankan cuisine. At the same time, the amazing variety of restaurants available in Sri Lanka show that our chefs are capable of turning out a vast array of international cuisines as well, be it Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Thai, French, Italian, Chinese, Swiss or German. This is an important factor in attracting tourists of all nationalities. Furthermore, that some of our finest restaurants and hotels have been commended in prestigious international travel magazines such as Conde Nast magazine demonstrate that our restaurants can cater to the latest food trends. The fine quality of food available in Sri Lanka combined with the natural beauty of our island and the warm hearted hospitality of our people make Sri Lanka an attractive tourist destination.

In closing, I would like to commend the Chefs Guild of Sri Lanka for its vital contribution to the tourism industry. I would also like to thank its members for all their hard work in bringing together this wonderful celebration of Sri Lankan culinary talent and to wish them continued success in their culinary endeavours.

Milinda Moragoda
Minister of Tourism