The Caritas Social and Economic Development (SED) Centre of the Diocese of Galle in South Sri Lanka organized “Suwa Dekma,” a local food and ayurvedic exhibition, on December 11.
The event was held at the Divisional Secretary’s Office premises in Weligama from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Caritas SED Galle collaborated with the Divisional Secretary's Office, Weligama, the Agrarian Center Mirissa, the Department of Ayurveda of the Southern Province, and "Sithamu" Women Agricultural Societies to organize the event.
Fr. Charles Hewawasam (Vicar General of the Diocese of Galle), Ven. Susima Thero of Pelena Gangarama Buddhist Temple, Honorable Maulawi, Ms. Rukshala S. Paranavithana (Assistant Divisional Secretary, Weligama), and staff, Mr. Austin Perera (Manager) and staff of Caritas SED Galle actively participated in the exhibition.
The purpose of holding this exhibition was to raise awareness among the participants regarding the value of local food items available in Sri Lanka, such as varieties of local vegetables, leaves, herbal plants, varieties of yams, different types of tubers, lentils, spices and condiments (cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, cloves, ginger, curry leaves, turmeric), different types of legumes, and herbal drinks.
The Ayurvedic Community Medical Officers explained the value of these local foods, which are nutritious, inexpensive, and affordable.
Although there are many varieties of local food items of nutritious value, only a limited number of them are used for consumption.
The participants learned lessons about the value of locally grown food items, the barriers to proper nutrition, and the need to change their dietary patterns to use locally acceptable, affordable, and sustainable local food items that contain nutritious value.
Students from many schools around Weligama visited the exhibition, and they had the chance to see many locally-grown food items.
This program provided awareness to children, youths, and women, including elders, on the value of consuming local food items, which guided them to change their dietary patterns to consume local food items that are inexpensive to increase their nutrition level and keep them in good health.
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