Business

Stepped-up bid to attract more young talent to the world of hospitality

Published

8 months ago

2026/01/27

Dignitaries at the top table of the forum.

The clink of cutlery, youthful laughter and the unmistakable energy of ambition filled the SLIIT Campus in Malabe as the Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management (CAHM) officially unveiled CAHM-7 Star Junior Chef Season 1, a pioneering national culinary competition designed to ignite the dreams of Sri Lanka’s next generation of chefs.

Speaking at the media briefing, CAHM chairman Errol Weerasinghe said the initiative was born out of a pressing need to attract young talent into what he described as the fastest-growing industry in the world of hospitality.

“We really want kids to get involved in this industry. We need the young generation,” Weerasinghe said, noting that this would be Sri Lanka’s first corporate-backed seven-star junior chef competition.

The programme will kick off in the Western Province, with plans to expand islandwide in phases, reaching schools directly and gauging student interest in culinary careers at an early age.

Weerasinghe also took pride in CAHM’s rapid growth over the past 13 years, highlighting that the academy has become Sri Lanka’s largest private hospitality education provider in a remarkably short time.

He added: “We have produced over 3,000 graduates, and I’m proud to say every single one of them is employed.” Adding that’s the key, real opportunities and real careers.

Adding strong corporate backing to the initiative, Vijay Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of Serendib Flour Mills Pvt Ltd, said the programme resonated deeply with the company’s core philosophy of “nourishing the nation.”

“We don’t just produce and sell flour, Sharma said. “Our responsibility is much larger. We want to nourish the body, the mind, the emotions and even traditions.”

He noted that supporting young minds at a formative age was essential for shaping how they perceive their future.

Sharma recalled how traditional career expectations once limited choices. “In those days, you were expected to become either a doctor or a teacher, he said. “Hospitality was rarely seen as a profession. Today, that has changed completely. This industry offers global opportunities, dignity and growth.”

Organisers said CAHM-7 Star Junior Chef is built around a simple but powerful idea, the best dish often starts in the smallest kitchen.

The competition gives young chefs aged 13 to 16 a platform to transform passion into purpose through exposure to real kitchens, professional chefs and structured mentorship.

Nilantha Rupasinghe, Head of the Organising Committee and Assistant Director at CAHM, said while the age group presents challenges, it is also where lasting inspiration begins.

He added:”We want to recognise talent early, motivate them and guide them towards becoming future culinary experts.”

Applications open from January 23, both online and through printed forms, and close on February 15.

Organisers expect more than 1,500 applications. From these, 200 participants will be selected for live cooking competitions scheduled for March 7 and 8 at CAHM’s professional kitchens.

From there, 100 contestants will advance, followed by 30 semi-finalists who will receive hands-on training, demonstration sessions and exposure visits to leading hotels and food production facilities, including flour mills.

The semi-finals on April 4 will lead to a grand finale on May 9, with winners receiving scholarships, cash awards and prestigious recognition.

All ingredients, equipment and utensils will be provided, ensuring every child competes on equal footing.

With the support of the Ministry of Education, media partners and industry leaders, CAHM-7 Star Junior Chef Season 1 is shaping up to be more than a competition — it is a bold investment in Sri Lanka’s culinary future, where young dreams are nurtured, one dish at a time.

By Ifham Nizam

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Business

Indo-Sri Lanka Chambers forge alliance to drive infrastructure and real estate investment

Published

9 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

The exchange of the MoU between the two organisations

By Sanath Nanayakkare

In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.

The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.

A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.

Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.

With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.

To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.

Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.

Business

Hettich celebrates a decade in Sri Lanka with partner meet in Colombo

Published

9 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality

Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.

The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.

Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.

The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.

Business

GS Evo Motors launches all-new JMEV EWIND

Published

9 hours ago

2026/09/14

Thilina Walpola

Priyantha Perera, Chief Executive Officer of GS Evo Motors (left), and Sunil Wettasinghe, Chairman of GS Evo Motors, introducing the latest JMEV Ewind Electric SUV to the local market

GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.

The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.

The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.