Traditional Food Festival 2026 - Exhibition and Sale of Traditional Local Foods

In celebration of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, the Faculty of Commerce and Management of Eastern University, in collaboration with the Center for Industry and Community Linkages (CICL), organized a vibrant Traditional Food Festival on 6th April 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The event showcased the rich cultural heritage of diverse communities. The opening ceremony was held at the faculty auditorium, followed by an attractive exhibition and sale of traditional Local foods items arranged in the faculty’s open premises.

The festival brought together students, local food vendors, and rural entrepreneurs, creating a dynamic platform for cultural exchange and community interaction. Students of the Faculty of Commerce and Management actively participated by setting up sales stalls, while more than 25 local traditional food entrepreneurs from across the Batticaloa District also took part. This initiative not only promoted traditional food practices but also supported local entrepreneurs by providing them with opportunities to market their products, thereby strengthening the link between the university and the wider community.

The traditional food stalls were officially declared open in the presence of the Chief Guest, special invitees, faculty members, and a delegation led by the Assistant Director of Local Government. A total of 18 stalls were creatively organized by student groups, representing diverse ethnic backgrounds. These stalls offered visitors a unique opportunity to experience and taste a wide variety of traditional foods. The event also served as a valuable platform for students to develop their entrepreneurial, leadership, organizational, marketing, and business skills.

To encourage student participation and creativity, competitions were held and the awards were given for the ‘Best Traditional Food Stall’ and ‘Best Stall Presentation’, based on the evaluation criteria included creativity, innovation, uniqueness, cultural representation, taste, quality, presentation, and serving methods. The “Thazhil Amuthu” stall, organized by first-year students S. Pajithan, K. Varshiga, V. Vithusini, N. Jerusha, and K. Rinoshkanth, won the ‘Best Traditional Food Stall Award’. Meanwhile, the “Taste of Tradition” stall, organized by J. Praneetha, K. Thanushika, Y. Sineka, and V. Pavithra, received the ‘Best Stall Presentation Award’.

The festival also featured participation from Tamil and Muslim entrepreneurs representing various Divisional Secretariat areas, including Manmunai North, Koralai Pattu South, Koralai Pattu Central, Eravur Pattu, and Eravur Town. Beyond its commercial and educational value, the event fostered cultural unity and mutual understanding among students, academics, and the local community. It also highlighted the importance of preserving traditional food heritage for future generations.