IDL Reinforces Commitment to Hospitality Talent Development through 31st National Bartenders Competition

International Distillers Limited (IDL) reaffirmed its continued commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry as the official industry partner of the 31st National Bartenders Competition (NBC) 2026 Grand Finale, held on 26 June 2026 at Cinnamon Grand Colombo.Organized by the Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association (SLHGA) in partnership with the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM), the competition brought together leading hospitality professionals, emerging bartending talent, and industry stakeholders from across the country. IDL partnered with the competition for the fourth consecutive year, supporting a national platform designed to build professional skills, encourage creativity, and promote responsible service standards within the bartending profession.NBC 2026 commenced with training and briefing sessions across six regions, followed by regional competitions, an exclusive Master Class, National Semi-Finals, and the Grand Finale. Participants represented hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, and hospitality educational institutions from key tourism regions in Sri Lanka.Commenting on IDL’s involvement, Ms. Indhu Selvaratnam, Deputy Chairperson of IDL, said, “The National Bartenders Competition continues to play an important role in elevating Sri Lanka’s bartending profession. Each year, we see stronger technical ability, greater creativity, and more confidence among participants. IDL is proud to support an initiative that gives young professionals a national platform to learn, compete, and be recognized. We are also pleased to see greater female participation this year, which is an important step toward a more inclusive hospitality industry.”The Grand Finale was judged by a panel of international judges and leading Sri Lankan hospitality experts, while the final results were independently tabulated and verified by Ernst & Young.The winners were W.S. Chathussanka from Waters Edge in the Classic Category, K.A.S. Sheshan from Jazzeble Colombo in the Flair Category, P.K. Muthukumarana from Hilton Yala for the IDL Challenge Trophy, Ms. Hansini Dilrukshi from Cinnamon Wild as Most Promising Female Bartender of the Year, and Sunny D. Perera from Kai Ahangama as Most Popular Digital Bartender of the Year.

IDL Reinforces Commitment to Hospitality Talent Development through 31st National Bartenders Competition | Colombo Gazette