Right in the heart of Istanbul's bustling historic peninsula, yet in one of its most unassuming and secluded corners, Sri Lanka invited Istanbulites to experience its bold, vibrant and colorful culture.

Held as part of celebrations of its 72nd anniversary of independence from British colonial rule, the Sri Lankan embassy organized a food festival on Monday to promote its enticing dishes.

The event was held at the newly-renovated Beta Tea House (Beta Yeni Han). It was befitting for the occasion. The historic inn is the first (known) place where coffee was roasted and processed in Istanbul, the once-beating heart of the multicultural Ottoman Empire. Similarly, as an island nation, Sri Lanka has also been influenced by many cultures over history. From Britons and the Portuguese to the Dutch and the Turks, it became a melting pot of cultures and has some of the world's best tea, spices and fruits.

Upon entrance, visitors were greeted by Sri Lanka's tropical-colored, traditional carved "evil eye" masks. We later learned from fellow Sri Lankan Shifa Ismet and her husband that they are usually used in dances or hung up on the walls in the household to drive away evil spirits and cure illnesses.

The festival kicked off with the ceremonial lighting of the Kuthu vilakku, a traditional oil lamp lit to ward off evil and bring good fortune used in almost all inaugural functions.

After the speeches and friendly exchanges came the best part: food. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean, ittarget="_blank"'>