The Department of Tourism Studies, Faculty of Management, Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka held “Dainties 2024” the first ever National Level Culinary and Bartending Competition hosted by a university in Sri Lanka. This competition marked a significant milestone in the Sri Lankan university system, bringing together students and hoteliers in a vibrant display of creativity, skill,  and passion.

Dianties 2024 was organized for Tourism undergraduates of state and private universities and hoteliers in the Uva Province. There were more than 50 contestants registered for this event. It aimed to foster the development of talent and innovation in the tourism and hospitality industry, while also facilitating networking and learning opportunities among participants and industry experts. By highlighting the exceptional abilities of students and professionals, the competition seeks to elevate the standards of culinary arts and bartending in Sri Lanka.

Dainties 2024 was organized by the students of the Bachelor of Business Management Honors in Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management degree programme, Department of Tourism Studies under the leadership of Dhananjaya Nawarathna, Head of the Department, with the supervision of the staff members of the Department of Tourism Studies. They expressed gratitude to Prof. Kolitha Bandara Wijesekara, Vice Chancellor of Uva Wellassa University and Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Dean, Faculty of Management, Uva Wellassa University for supporting them. The competition consisted of two rounds.

The first round was an online session where contestants submitted videos of their culinary and bartending creations. These entries were evaluated by an esteemed panel of judges, including top-ranking professionals from the hotel industry. The finalists from this round were then invited to compete in the grand finale, held on June 29, 2024, at the Uva Wellassa University premises. The event began with an inauguration ceremony symbolizing an auspicious start.

The panel of judges featured renowned experts such as Mr. Nishada Periyapperuma, Director Operations, York Hotel Management Services Ltd.; Mr. Percy Sangapala, Freelance Food and Beverage Consultant/ Judge, Former Assistant Director Learning and Development, Emirates Palace UAE; Mr. Anston Bernard Alvis, General Manager, Elephant Reach Hotel Yala. Former Brand Development Manager, International Distilleries Ltd; Mr. Kapila Jayasinghe, Cluster Executive Chef at Cinnamon Grand & Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, and Mr. Nalinda Abeyratne, Executive Chef at Heritance Kandalama and Mr. Priyantha Weerasinghe, Director of Culinary at NH Collection Hotel Colombo. Their combined expertise ensured a high standard of evaluation and valuable feedback for all participants.

The success of Dainties 2024 was bolstered by strong partnerships and sponsorships. The Uva Provincial Tourism Ministry played a crucial role as a collaborative organizer. Solidaridad Network Asia, as the platinum sponsor, along with other sponsors like UVA Rayon and  Unilever Food Solutions provided invaluable support. The competition featured two main categories: Culinary Arts and Bartending, with separate sections for undergraduates and hoteliers. Contestants impressed the judges and audience with their innovative dishes and creative cocktails, demonstrating a high level of skill and artistry.

The awards ceremony in the evening was a grand affair, celebrating the achievements of  all participants. Winners of the culinary competition, Hotelier category are; First place – Mr. H.G.G.N.B.Wickramasinghe, Second Place – Mr. K.G.A.I.Chamara, Third place – Mr. P.G.D.Rajapaksha, all from Ravana Pool Club. Winners of culinary competition, undergraduate category are; First place – Ms. A.I.T.Weerasena, Rajarata University; Second place – Ms. A.A.Kaushalya, Uva Wellassa University; Third place – Mr. R.A.K.D.D.R.Ranathunga, Uva Wellassa University. Winners of bartending competition, Hotelier category are; First place – Mr. R.M.U. Rathnayake, Ravana Pool Club; Second place – Mr. K.M. Dulan Nipun, Ellement Hiking Bar and Restaurant; Third place – Mr. R.M.S. Akalanka, Ellement Hiking Bar and Restaurant.

Winners of bartending competition, undergraduate category are; First place – Ms. B.D.S.H. Dharmasena, Uva Wellassa University; Second place – Mr. T.M.C.S. Thennakoon, Rajarata University; Third place – Mr. B.M.H.M. Basnayaka, Uva Wellassa University. The most popular chef was Mr. R.A.K.D.D.R. Ranathunge, Uva Wellassa University and The most popular bartender was Mr. B.M.H.M. Basnayake, Uva Wellassa University.

Sent by - Mr. P. Kasun Udara Perera Lecturer (Probationary) Department of Tourism Studies Faculty of Management Uva Wellassa University  of Sri Lanka