Sri Lanka is a place of deep connection, where the ocean meets the jungle, where food is more than just nourishment, and where every choice we make shapes this land, the sea, and the beings we share it with. Yet, we often move through life on autopilot, eating what’s familiar, following habits we’ve never questioned. But when we slow down, we start to see the deeper connections between our choices, the planet, and all beings around us.

What role do our food choices play in this bigger picture? How can we live in a way that nurtures ourselves, community, and the animals? The event will be a interactive space to pause, reflect, and connect over thought-provoking activities.

Meanwhile we will add a local dimension by discussing the Sri Lankan perspective, and we will offer attendees a taste of her renowned plant-based brownies, which are well-loved in Colombo and Mirissa.

• Gülbike Mirzaoglu: “I am a researcher with a PhD in economics and co-founder of Animetrics, a research organization committed to advocating for animal rights with evidence-based strategies. I also give lectures on animal rights and environmental issues through the Middle East Vegan Society and work as a part-time software project assessor. I have spoken to diverse groups worldwide (Egypt, Turkiye, Netherlands, Rwanda, Uganda, Philippines, Mozambique, Vietnam etc.), from universities to general public gatherings. You can learn more about some of my previous engagements here.”

• Tashie: “I have contributed to animal rights in Sri Lanka. Also an entrepreneur, I founded Smokey’s – The Brownie Bar, which later became a vegan café, and co-founded Evolved Meat and ‘Cinner & Seitan’. I am one of the heads of the Vegan Sri Lanka community and I hold the position of Sri Lankan chairperson for the World Vegan Organisation.”

This event is free and everybody is welcome to join. Please, fill the Google Form so we calculate the exact number of attendants.