The 29th National Bartenders Competition 2024 has successfully completed its regional qualifying rounds, setting the stage for an exciting Grand Finale. The competition is powered by International Distillers Limited (IDL) – Sri Lanka’s market leader in Locally Manufactured Foreign Liquor – and spearheaded by the Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduate Association (SLHGA). By supporting this event IDL aims to elevate mixology standards across Sri Lanka, nurturing local talent and promoting excellence in the hospitality industry. The competition also provides bartenders with an opportunity to unleash their creativity and talent on a national platform.
Following the semifinals, which were held on the 4th of June, the much-anticipated Grand Finale will be held on the 14th of June 2024, at the Cinnamon Grand, Colombo. The National Bartenders Competition has been a calendar highlight for Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry for the past 28 years. It has consistently provided a platform for bartenders to hone their skills through workshops, seminars, and hands-on training, introducing cutting-edge techniques and fostering a culture of excellence in mixology.
The regional qualifying rounds showcased incredible talent from across the Island. In the Cultural Triangle & Pasikuda Region, P. H. Sudara Pathum from Cinnamon Village – Dambulla won in the Classic category, while K. G. Indika Prashan Pushpakumar from Covanro Sigiriya triumphed in the Flaring category. The Kandy Nuwara Eliya Region saw S. S. Dharshan from Earls Regency, Kandy, and D. M. C. D. Bandara from Araliya Green City win in the Classic and Flaring categories, respectively. In the Deep Down South Region, Chamika Chamod from Angel Beach – Unawatuna emerged victorious in the Classic category.
Meanwhile, the Down South Region celebrated Kasun Kanishka from Ananthara Kalutara in the Classic category and Chamoda Lakshan from Ananthara Kalutara in the Flaring category. The Negombo Region winners were P. Ruchira Maduwantha Silva from Goldi Sands in the Classic category and S. Suresh Fernando from Club Hotel Dolphin in the Flaring category. Finally, in the Colombo Region, Shan Hussain from UGA Residency won in the Classic category, and Dushan Ganegoda from Cinnamon Lake Side took the top spot in the Flaring category.
This year’s competition not only underscores the importance of mixology in Sri Lanka’s booming hospitality sector but also highlights the exceptional skills and creativity of the Island’s mixologists. As the Grand Finale approaches, anticipation and excitement continue to build, promising an event that will not only crown the best bartenders in Sri Lanka but also set new benchmarks for the industry. With International Distillers Limited supporting the event, the National Bartenders Competition 2024 is set to be a catalyst for innovation and growth in Sri Lanka’s mixology scene.