Sri Lanka took part in the FAO Global Exhibition "From Seeds to Foods", held from 8 to 12 October 2026 at the historic Circo Massimo in Rome as part of the FAO80+1 celebrations, presenting the world-renowned Ceylon Tea, together with the island's cuisine and culture, to visitors from around the world.

The second edition of the exhibition, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) alongside the World Food Forum, was held under the theme "Fostering Innovation for Food Security and Nutrition". Following the success of the 2025 edition, which welcomed nearly 10,000 visitors, this year's exhibition moved to the Circo Massimo and was free and open to the public and drew approximately 21,000 visitors. Six regional pavilions showcased foods, cultures and solutions from across the world, while FAO divisions, offices and Members presented practical examples of how countries and communities are strengthening food security and nutrition. The exhibition was officially opened by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu on 8 October 2026.

Ceylon Tea was the centerpiece of Sri Lanka's participation, presented at the Sri Lanka stall in the Asia and the Pacific Regional Pavilion throughout the exhibition. A Ceylon Tea tasting session, organized in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tea Board held throughout 8 October at the Sri Lanka stall, with the valuable contribution of Fabiola Ruggiero, founder of Cose di Tè, drew considerable interest, as visitors discovered the rich flavours and distinctive qualities of Ceylon Tea and learned about Sri Lanka's tea heritage, which dates back to 1867, and the skill of the planters and tea workers behind every cup. The Embassy continued promoting Ceylon Tea at the stall throughout 9 October, when the cool, rainy weather provided a fitting setting for visitors to savour its distinctive taste. Grown across the island's distinct high-, mid- and low-country regions, Ceylon Tea is known worldwide for its quality, character and sustainable cultivation practices.

Beyond tea, Sri Lanka's participation also had a cultural highlight: on 9 October 2026, Sri Lankan students from the academy of Chanchala Bulathwatta delivered a captivating dance performance titled "Rhythm of Harvest" as part of the exhibition's cultural performances segment, celebrating Sri Lanka's cultural traditions and bringing the vibrancy of its artistic heritage to an international audience. Sri Lanka also took part in the exhibition's celebration of World Pulses Day, where Chef Praveen Fernando of La Perla Dell’ Asia, Rome, delighted the audience with a live demonstration of Dhal Vade, a Sri Lankan delicacy, served with Ceylon Tea. 

Speaking during the demonstration, Ambassador Satya Rodrigo noted that the dhal in the vadai belonged to one of the oldest farming traditions, grown for over ten thousand years. He mentioned that “Parippu (dhal) vadai was now one of Sri Lanka's most familiar street foods.” Highlighting some similarities between Italy and Sri Lanka and how pulses were made into affordable food- the Ambassador noted “In Palermo they fry chickpea flour and call it panelle; in Colombo we grind lentils and call it vadai.”

On 11 October, Sri Lanka also hosted a lively Sri Lankan street food cooking demonstration, in which Chef Praveen Fernando once again took center stage, preparing the popular Sri Lankan dish Kottu and served with Ceylon tea. 

These offerings gave visitors a taste of the island's rich culinary traditions, its biodiversity and its centuries-old agricultural heritage, and highlighted the close link between food, culture and community that FAO's exhibition celebrates.

The Ambassador highlighted “Kottu is our street food symphony. You hear the rhythm of the blades before you taste it, and it brings together the flavours of all our communities on one plate." The Kottu demonstration threw huge crowds who eagerly tried the food. The Sri Lanka Stall also served Kottu in the afternoon and drew amongst the highest numbers of visitors to taste the savory food. 

The Embassy extends its sincere appreciation to Fabiola Ruggiero of Cose di Tè, Chef Praveen Fernando and his team at La Perla Dell’ Asia, and Chanchala Bulathwatta and her academy for their valuable support and contribution. Sri Lanka's participation was also supported by the Sri Lanka Tea Board and the Export Development Board, which sent display products from Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's participation underlined the country's long-standing partnership with FAO and its commitment to innovation, food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture, as well as its efforts to promote its products and traditions internationally.

The FAO Global Exhibition "From Seeds to Foods" invites visitors to explore the journey behind our food, from seeds, soil and water to the farmers, fishers and many others who bring food to our tables, and to discover how innovation and cooperation can shape a more food-secure future. 

Embassy of Sri Lanka

Rome

14 October 2026