An Independence Day fete with a difference

BY JAYASIRI Munasinghe

IT was a night that was truly local - in ambience, taste, sound and sight. The place was Temple Trees and the date, February 4, Independence Day. The occasion was an Independence Day function hosted by President Mahinda Rajapakse and First Lady Shiranthi.

Temple Trees was teeming with Government and Opposition politicians, diplomats and many eminent personalities. The tables were full of mouth-watering indigenous delicacies. There was no alcohol in sight, though there were plenty of herbal and other local drinks.

All the waiters were clad in traditional attire. All the decorations were done from local raw materials - polythene was nowhere to be seen. Patriotic melodies wafted through the air as the Navy band rendered a sterling performance.

All who savoured the night expressed delight that the event gave prominence to local food and talent, in keeping with the spirit of the Independence Day.