Very First “French Spring in Sri Lanka”

Organized by the alliance Francaise de Kotte and the Embassy of France in Sri Lanka and the support of the Ministry of Arts and Cultural Affairs, the BMICH and many other French and Sri Lankan Companies. The event took place from the 15^th to 24^th June 2012 with the 24^th June celebrating the event in grand scale at MLH for the concluding Gala Dinner at the prestigious Maitland State Room.

France like Sri Lanka has a a very strong tradition in Arts and Culture spanning centuries. Hence, Culture, Arts and the world of culinary and music was the focus of the French Spring in Sri Lanka 2012.”We are privileged that the whole Gastronomy discipline was offered to us. Therefore, Chef Jerome Laurent a Michelin star chef along with Laure-line Gros from France were specifically brought in to felicitate the event,” states Mr Anura Dewapura, GM of MLH. To begin the Celebrons le francaise MLH exalted the music spectrum by having Olivier Franc’s Jazz Quintet perform at the Beach, Ballroom and Terrace. And thanks to SriLankan Airlines who are ever supportive in the efforts at MLH were the official travel partners for the Jazz Quintet and the two chefs.

As her H E Christine Robichon stated,”Arts can create links and a sense of togetherness amongst people from different countries and cultures.”

The 10 day celebration consisted of World Music, Photography, Cinema, Rock music, Classical Music, Jazz music, sustainable architecture, Fete de la musique, Literature, Dance, Street Art and indeed French Gastronomy at its best.