Heat oil in a soup pot & saute the onion, basil & bay leaf for 5 minutes. Stir in the flour. Add the carrot, celery, sugar, vinegar, tomatoes with their juice & water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover & simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat & let cool slightly. Blend till smooth with the garlic, soy sauce & salt. Add the soy milk & rice. Reheat & serve garnished with a sprinkling of sunflower seeds.