William Angliss Colombo eighth-batch celebrates grand ‘Prasthan’

By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana 

Graduating students of the eighth-batch of William Angliss Institute of Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management had a grand ‘Prasthan’ recently, which was held in a colourful manner with a Bollywood themed Street Food Festival. 

The batch eight students of the academy organised the ‘Prasthan’ in a Bollywood themed Street Food Festival with the support of the Australian High Commission, Indian Cultural Centre and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.

The name of the event ‘Prasthan’ symbolizes ‘Departure’, in order to begin a new journey. The purpose of organizing such a spectacular event is to create incredible memories with a touch of India for all the people attending. This event highlighted the Indian culture by showcasing the street food, Holi-Festival, Mehendi art stall, glamorous fashion of India as well as incorporating Indian music and dance. 

The event ‘Prasthan’ was held as the final assessment of the eighth-batch students in the Advanced Diploma. The students took this opportunity to strengthen the ties in the hospitality and tourism sector between the three countries India, Australia and Sri Lanka.

The chief guest of the event was Australia Deputy High Commissioner Tim Huggins whilst Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau Director Prasad Daluwatte and many other hospitality industry experts graced the occasion.

The event highlighted dance with the support of the Indian cultural centre through three traditional Indian dance acts as the dancers took the stage and entertained the crowd to their fullest efforts.
Also a main highlight of the event was the fashion show which showcased Indian fashion through a best well-dressed ‘Maharaja’ and ‘Maharani’ competition with the participation of the university students. The show was adjudicated by a four-member panel consisting of Shangrila Hotels Sri Lanka PR/Communications Director Mahika Chandrasena, Lion Royal Resorts Sales/Marketing Director Rochi Stronach, Hotel Mandarina Colombo Front Office Manager Mahesh Abeywickrama and Hospitality Magazine Sri Lanka Editor Shafeek Wahab.

The event also highlighted a distinctive magic show by Budshana Kalapuge, a fabulous fireworks display and musical entertainment by DJ Hash and the famous Sri Lankan Band, ‘Daddy’ which ended the event on a high note as one of the best events conducted so far by the William Angliss Institute, Colombo.

The concept of an Indian food street was also brought alive as the students of the eight-batch worked their way through to preparing an authentic Indian menu under the guidance of their culinary mentors which included a chicken tikka wrap, samosas, wades and many other interesting foods.