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The Art of the Pour: 31st National Bartenders Competition returns bigger and bolder

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Indhu Selvaratnam

Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry marks a significant milestone with the launch of the 31st National Bartenders Competition, celebrating over three decades of excellence, talent development, and innovation in the art of bartending. Organized by the Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association (SLHGA) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM), and in partnership with International Distillers Limited (IDL), this year’s edition reflects the continued evolution of Sri Lanka’s hospitality and beverage landscape.

As the industry continues to strengthen, the competition serves as an important platform highlighting the growing role of skilled and creative professionals in elevating service standards and guest experiences. Over the years, it has played a vital role in nurturing emerging talent, enabling participants to refine their craft and contribute to raising industry benchmarks.

In the lead-up to the competition, regional training and briefing sessions were successfully conducted across six regions islandwide. These sessions provided participants with hands-on guidance, technical knowledge, and valuable industry insights, ensuring they are well-prepared to compete at a national level.

Dr. Gitanjali Chakravarthy, President of the Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association, stated:

“As we mark three decades of the National Bartenders “Competition, it is rewarding to see how this platform has evolved into a nationally recognised benchmark, helping shape bartending into a respected profession within Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry.

“This competition is especially important in developing young talent, giving them the confidence, exposure, and opportunity to perform at international standards, while encouraging innovation.

“We are proud to partner with International Distillers Ltd and the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management for the 31st edition, whose support continues to strengthen this platform. As the Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association, we remain committed to nurturing talent and supporting the growth of a creative, inclusive, and globally competitive hospitality industry.”

Ms. Indhu Selvaratnam, Deputy Chairman of International Distillers Limited, remarked:

“IDL is thrilled to return to the National Bartenders Competition 2026, our fourth year championing outstanding craft and hospitality. We are deeply committed to investing in the people, skills and experiences that make our country such a warm and memorable destination for visitors. Great bartending is more than technique; it helps create moments that define a guest’s experience.

“This competition celebrates the uniquely Sri Lankan spirit that inspires so much of the work we do with local ingredients, bold flavours and imaginative presentations. From indigenous spices to tropical fruits, our bartenders are turning Sri Lanka’s bounty into world-class cocktails that tell our story with every sip. Supporting that creativity and showcasing our homegrown talent is at the heart of what we do.”



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SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure

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SLT-MOBITEL marks its triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026

Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development

In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.

Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.

Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.

“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.

Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.

However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.

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Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement

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The panel discussion at the engagement

Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.

The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.

In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.

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American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026

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The achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories.

American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.

Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.

For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.

Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.

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