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A Sapling of an Idea That Bore Fruit
In the back of my mind, there was a seed of an idea, a shimmer of a thought, about one day running a festival focused on Sri Lankan cuisine and culture.
I didn’t have a particular idea of how it should be, what it would be, or when or where it would happen—just that one day there would be a festival. So when the opportunity came up to bid for funding from Wandsworth Council to create an event for South Asian Heritage Month, I grabbed that opportunity.
Previously, I would have ducked out, talked myself out of it, you know… the workload, maybe my idea wouldn’t really be good enough, perhaps I wouldn’t be good enough.
Not this time.
A Bold Yes
I boldly said yes… and it’s almost here, coming to fruition: the Sri Lankan Culture Collective - Boutique Festival, on September 22, on the Battersea Barge.
You’ve heard me talk about the hopper-making masterclass with Rosh from Hop and Roll, the Sri Lankan lunch with Krish and Joey co-founders of the cult supper club MUVs ALLDAY, and sambols by Ruci Foods founder, Thana Sivasambu.
The sari draping and talks have sold out, which is simply incredible! I love that there is so much interest in Sri Lankan culture.
And our evening session, we can hardly contain it. There is so much talent!
Our Comedy Line Up
Hari Kanth is a part-time comedy writer, part-time software engineer. As a stand-up, he was a BBC New Comedy Award finalist, performed live on Radio 2, and was named “One to Watch” by Time Out London. As a software engineer, he hasn’t been fired yet. “So bloody good.” (The Skinny)
Nalin Dissanayake being from South London, Nalin has very little fear in life, apart from his fear that the ‘print name’ box is never long enough for his full name. Nalin is a comedian with wit sharper than the knives that were held up against him on the streets. Quick jokes and surreal stories have proven to be the winning combination that has taken Nalin to perform in renowned comedy clubs and festivals all over the country.
Alex Bertulis-Fernandes was a Leicester Mercury Comedian of the Year Finalist, Channel 4 Sean Lock Comedy Awards Finalist, and Beat The Frog World Series Finalist. Alex was shortlisted for the BBC New Comedy Awards and co-starred in White Chicks 2 at Soho Theatre. Her jokes have been featured in The Telegraph and The Guardian.
"Alex Bertulis-Fernandes was probably the most talented writer of the night, packing her set tightly with smart, elegantly crafted gags from dating-based wordplay to darker material about the morning-after pill, delivered with a fake innocence." (Chortle)
Once you’ve had your fill of kotthu roti, prepared by Colombo Kitchen, we’ll ply you with the music of Arjun Nala, Tulip Wonder, Nush, and AP Pistol, who will be at the decks fusing Tamil sounds with afrobeats.
I can’t wait to see you there. And when you do arrive, introduce yourself, I’m thrilled to finally meet you!
You can buy your tickets here.
What’s Coming Up in September and Beyond
My recipes will be back!
I have been cooking, writing, and photographing all through the summer. You can look forward to rava dosa, potato masala, sambar, coffee and jaggery cake (each test run was devoured by my kids), and a show-stopping roasted aubergine raita. I’ve reworked my lamb and tamarind curry—making it even better!
Also, my longer, more in-depth podcasts will also return.
I’m talking to Sarah Baldwin, the founder of Serendip, which specialises in sourcing authentic Sri Lankan crafts, and Tasha Marikkar, the author of the new Sri Lankan cookbook, Jaya Flava—I can’t wait for you to tune into that. Interviewing her was a hoot!
And Finally, Thank You…
Michele, my Jim Reeves post brought back memories of her father. I had to listen to Welcome to My World—it’s a comforting, classic tune that brought a tear to my eye. Perhaps it’s time for a Jim Reeves revival!
And a big thank you to Poorna Bell for name-checking me on her Instagram stories. I sometimes feel I send my posts out into the void. It was an honor to be recognized by such an incredible author and fellow Substacker. Please check out Poorna’s Substack, As I Was Saying—it’s brilliantly written and always thought-provoking. Her words never disappoint.