Mount Lavinia Hotel, hosted its first Slow Food event for the year on 2nd February 2024 at the newly renovated Horizon Rooftop. This occasion brought together prominent figures, including the German Ambassador, the Cuban Ambassador, corporate leaders, key opinion leaders in the country, and media partners.
Slow food, a concept that emphasizes the importance of locally sourced ingredients and the connection between food and the environment, made a grand comeback with the leadership of Anura Dewapura – Chief Operating Officer of MLHG. Known for hosting a variety of Slow Food events in the past, “Slow Food Italia” was the first of the series of twelve slow food events MLH has planned for this year, each highlighting a different cuisine every month.
The Slow Food events held monthly by MLH serve as a vital platform for recognizing and appreciating the significance of slow food practices. By fostering a dialogue around this concept, the hotel aims to create a network of advocates who can promote sustainable and mindful eating habits. These events provide an opportunity for individuals from various backgrounds to come together and share their experiences, knowledge, and ideas.
The overarching objective of the event was to acknowledge and highlight the efforts of local vendors, vegetable growers, fishers, who support the concept of Slow Food and especially those who conduct their business practices on the values of “Slow Food”. These individuals and businesses were given the opportunity to display their products and showcase the authenticity of their offerings. Notable supporters in attendance included Ceccato Colombo, Forest Garden Organic Vegetables, Maia Cheese, GHG Colombo, Maybury Fine Foods Lanka and Agro Lanka.
The evening commenced with a delightful cocktail reception and presentation at the Maitland State Room. During this time, Anura Dewapura (COO of MLHG), shared insights into the hotel’s comprehensive sustainability strategy, emphasizing that the Slow Food event was only one aspect of their commitment to responsible practices. Notably, Mount Lavinia Hotel was the pioneer in introducing the concept of slow food to Sri Lanka back in 2009 when Dewapura served as the hotel’s General Manager. Furthermore, they were also the first to initiate the comprehensive “Green Going Greener” project, which earned them the prestigious EarthCheck Silver and Bronze awards in 2010 and 2011, respectively. The hotel is excited to reintroduce these initiatives once again. Mount Lavinia Hotel also has been at the forefront of embracing a plant-based lifestyle for over a decade – with its pioneering efforts in promoting Veganism – on 25th January 2024 it unveiled the “MLH Plant-Earth Market”, the country’s first-ever Vegan Market. This market will operate monthly on Poya days at The Terrace, coinciding with the Hotel’s Vegan Buffet and Vegan High Tea.
Following the cocktail reception, guests were treated to a delectable dinner featuring mouthwatering Italian dishes crafted with the ingredients provided by the event supporters. This captivating dining experience took place at the Horizon Rooftop, offering breathtaking views of the surroundings.
Mount Lavinia Hotel’s commitment to sustainability and responsible practices extends far beyond the Slow Food event. With a deep-rooted belief in environmental consciousness, the hotel consistently strives to implement measures that minimize its ecological footprint.
“Slow Food Italia” showcased the hotel’s dedication to sustainability, responsible practices, and supporting local vendors. By bringing together influential individuals and providing a platform for dialogue, the hotel is actively shaping a network of advocates for slow food practices.
