Business
Sri Lankan cuisine – a vision for the future at Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka 2022
Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka and Dilmah have collaborated since the inception of the prestigious, global challenge in Sri Lanka, to inspire Sri Lankans with culinary ambition while exploring the potential for Sri Lankan cuisine in the 21st Century. With two young Sri Lankan Chefs winning Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka 2022 and going on to represent Sri Lanka in the Asian finals, our island’s human and culinary potential were evident in abundance in the passion and commitment of each of the contestants. Also on display was the potential for modern, sustainable Sri Lankan cuisine in the hands of young women and men with culinary aspirations.Eightee teams – each comprising a chef and apprentice – produced aromas, flavours and textures inspired by Sri Lanka in a live cooking session of five hours and 35 minutes. They competed in the Sri Lanka national contest for an opportunity to represent Sri Lanka in the Asian semi final, eventually leading to Lyon, France and the final of Bocuse d’Or. Gold medallist Chef Madushanka De Silva and Commis Siyathma Perera from Waters Edge are the winners who will progress to representing Sri Lanka at Bocuse d’Or Asia.
The challenge which took place at the William Angliss Institute on April 27, 2022 was followed by an awarding ceremony held at Waters Edge, with French Ambassador Eric Lavertu, attending as Chief Guest. Also present were European Union Ambassador Denis Chaibi and Australian High Commissioner David Holly and their spouses.
The winners will now take forth the flavours of Sri Lanka at the Bocuse d’Or Asia Finals, in order to progress to the grand finals in Lyon, France. Speaking at the event, Dilmah CEO, Dilhan C. Fernando explained the significance of Bocuse d’Or for Sri Lanka,
“Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka is not simply the world’s most prestigious culinary competition; it is unlocking the value of Sri Lankan ingredients – adding value to our exports – unlocking the potential in the young women and men who have experienced this challenge and who are ready to face the culinary world.”
President of Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka, Rohan Fernandopulle added,
“As we face the worst economic crisis in Sri Lanka, we are conscious of how it has impacted the hospitality industry and the livelihood of the people who are in the trade. In such times, we must collaborate to maintain and uplift employee morale in efforts to sustain the industry… Participating in such global events will allow chefs to learn, develop new skills and techniques, network both locally and internationally, and most importantly, provide purpose to be resilient in these trying times.”
The distinguished panel of Judges included the ‘Godfather’ of Singapore’s Culinary Fraternity – Chef Otto Weibel as Chief Judge, Chef Roberto Beltramini from Italy and Belgian Chef Michael Saelen. Addressing his experience as first-time judge for Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka, was Official Worldchefs Judge since 2006, Robert Beltramini, who said,
“I was very happy to see that all the Chefs had put a lot of energy into what we have seen today. It’s been an amazing journey for me through all the spices and flavours… It’s very important to show the spirit of Bocuse d’Or and you showed it today.”
Chef M.M.A.Manathunga and Commis Dilhan Saraiffodeen from Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya won Silver medals, while Chef Ethige Mihishan Rashminga Silva and Commis Induwara Pathiranage from Hilton Colombo Residences were chosen Bronze medallists. A special awards for Best Tea Inspired Dish was awarded to Chef A.C.Madhawa and Commis P.P.Thennakoon from Cinnamon Grand Hotel, whose Dilmah Berry Sensation Ceylon Tea infused beetroot in chicken leg ragout won the judges’ acclaim. Dilhan Saraiffodeen from Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya secured the award for ‘Best Commis’.
Dilmah was the main sponsor of Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka with other sponsors So Sri Lanka, Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association, William Angliss, Unilever Food Solutions, Sabatino Tartufi, Nestle Professional, Maxies, CDC Events, Round Island, East-West Food (PVT) Ltd, Sri Lankan Airlines, Meadow Land, Singer, Red FM, SRK Portraits Photography Directors LK and Pulse.
The Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Sri Lanka (AHK Sri Lanka) proudly facilitated the first-ever Sri Lankan delegation’s participation at Drupa 2024, the world’s largest trade fair for the printing industry and technology. Held after an eight-year hiatus, Drupa 2024 was a landmark event, marking significant advancements and opportunities in the global printing industry.
AHK Sri Lanka played a pivotal role in organising and supporting the delegation, which comprised 17 members from the Sri Lanka Association for Printers (SLAP), representing eight companies from the commercial, newspaper, stationery printing, and packaging industries. This pioneering effort by AHK Sri Lanka not only showcased the diverse capabilities of Sri Lanka’s printing sector but also facilitated vital bilateral discussions with key stakeholders from the German printing industry.
Business
Unveiling Ayugiri: Browns Hotels & Resorts sets the stage for a new era in luxury Ayurveda Wellness
In a captivating reimagining of luxury wellness tourism, Browns Hotels & Resorts proudly unveiled the exquisite Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya. This momentous occasion, celebrated amidst a vibrant and serene grand opening on the 6th of June, heralds a new chapter in the Ayurveda wellness tourism landscape in Sri Lanka. Nestled amidst 54 acres of unspoiled natural splendour, Ayugiri features 22 exclusive suites and stands out as the only luxury Ayurveda wellness resort in the country offering plunge pools in every room, rendering it truly one-of-a-kind.
The grand opening of Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort was an enchanting event, where guests were captivated by the melodies of flutists and violinists resonating through Sigiriya’s lush landscapes. As traditional drummers and dancers infused the air with vibrant energy, Browns Hotels & Resorts’ CEO, Eksath Wijeratne, Kotaro Katsuki, Acting Ambassador for the Embassy of Japan and General Manager, Buwaneka Bandara, unveiled the resort’s new logo, marking a significant moment witnessed by distinguished guests from the French Embassy, Ayurveda and wellness enthusiasts along with officials from the Sigiriya area, LOLC Holdings and Browns Group.
“Our strategic expansion into wellness tourism with Ayugiri Ayurveda Wellness Resort Sigiriya symbolises a significant milestone for Browns Hotels & Resorts. Wellness tourism has consistently outperformed the overall tourism industry for over a decade, reflecting a growing global interest in travel that goes beyond leisure to offer rejuvenation and holistic well-being. By integrating the timeless wisdom of Ayurveda with modern luxury, we aim to set a new standard in luxury wellness tourism in Sri Lanka. Whether your goal is prevention, healing, or a deeper connection to inner harmony, Ayugiri offers a sanctuary for holistic well-being” stated Eksath Wijeratne.
Ayugiri encapsulates the essence of life, inspired by the lotus flower held by the graceful queens of the infamous Sigiriya frescoes. Just as the lotus emerges from the murky depths, untainted and serene,
Ayugiri invites guests on a journey of purity and rejuvenation, harmonised with a balance of mind, body and spirit, the essence of nature, echoes of culture and the wisdom of ancient Ayurvedic healing.
HNB General Insurance, one of Sri Lanka’s leading general insurance providers, has been honored as the Best General Bancassurance Provider in Sri Lanka 2024 by the prestigious Global Banking and Finance Review – UK.
The esteemed accolade underscores HNB General Insurance’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its outstanding performance in the field of bancassurance. Through dedication and hard work, the HNB General Insurance team has continuously endeavored to deliver innovative insurance solutions, cultivate strong relationships with banking partners, and provide unparalleled service to customers nationwide. This recognition is a testament to the team’s dedication and relentless pursuit of excellence in the bancassurance business.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious award, which reflects our team’s tireless efforts and dedication to delivering value-added insurance solutions and exceptional service through our bancassurance partnerships,” said Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance. “This recognition reaffirms our position as a trusted insurance provider in Sri Lanka and motivates us to continue striving for excellence in serving our customers and communities.”
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
