Lankan baker wins best baguette in Paris

Published

1 year ago

May 14, 2023

editor

A Paris baker of Sri Lankan origin said he “cried” when he heard he had won best baguette in the French capital this week and would be delivering the bread to the presidential palace.

“I cried because we are foreigners and we came here to learn how to make traditional French bread,” Tharshan Selvarajah told AFP on Thursday.

“I am very happy to have won the prize.”

Fifteen baguette connoisseurs on Wednesday selected Selvarajah’s version of the iconic French bread as the best among 175 anonymous contenders.

Members of the jury, including six ordinary Parisians, had to rate dozens of baguette on their taste, crust, crumb, air bubbles, and overall aspect.

“Don’t drink at the start or you won’t be able to make it to the end of the tasting,” Paris official Olivia Polski warned judges before they started.

A video she shared on Twitter shows her then ringing up the baker based in eastern Paris to tell him the good news.

“Noooo,” he can be heard saying on the other end of the line.

Selvarajah told AFP he always makes his long loaves “with love”, while “smiling, laughing and singing”, and the result is well-cooked, delicious and crusty.

He has won 4,000 euros (more than $4,300) and the opportunity to supply baguettes to the presidential palace.

“I’m so happy that the president will taste my bread. Just taking it to the palace is exciting,” he told AFP.

UN cultural body UNESCO awarded the baguette world heritage status in November last year.

Source – AFP

New board of directors appointed for SriLankan Airlines

Published

3 days ago

October 10, 2024

editor

Sarath Ganegoda has been appointed as the new Chairman of SriLankan Airlines, effective from October 9.

Alongside his appointment, a new Board of Directors has been announced for Sri Lanka’s national carrier under his leadership.

New Board of Directors of SriLankan Airlines:
1. Sarath Ganegoda (Chairman)
2. Buddhika Hewawasam
3. Sugath Rajapakse
4. Eranga Rohan Peiris Goonetilleke
5. D. Arandara
6. Ananda Athukorale
7. Lakmal Ratnayake
8. Niranjan Arulpragasam

Ganegoda, a respected business leader, is currently the Group Executive Director of Hayleys PLC and the Deputy Chairman of Alumex PLC.

He has held senior management roles in both local and international companies and is a Fellow of CA Sri Lanka, as well as a member of the Chartered Management Accountants of Australia.

BIZ

Trishaw fares revised

Published

4 days ago

October 9, 2024

editor

Three-wheeler fares have been revised as of today (Oct. 09).

According to Mr. Jeewinda Keerthiratne, who heads the three wheel bureau of the Road Passenger Transport Authority, the first kilometer remains at Rs. 100 while the second kilometer will be Rs. 85.

BIZ

Egg prices spike again

Published

4 days ago

October 9, 2024

editor

Egg prices have upped again after the recent price drop.

The price of an egg was seen reduced to Rs. 30 in local markets recently but had spiked to over Rs. 40 this week.

Chairman of Sri Lanka Livestock Producers Association – Ajith Gunasekara stated that several factors have impacted the relevant price hike.

Speaking at yesterday’s Cabinet briefing, Cabinet spokesman – Minister Vijitha Herath said that they are looking to stabilize the prices of chicken feed which will in return control egg prices.