MARKING a major milestone in Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape, the Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association (SLHGA), in partnership with International Distillers Ltd., (IDL), presents the 30th National Bartenders Competition—a celebration of three dynamic decades of bartending excellence, innovation, and talent.

This landmark event coincides with the growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry and a revival in the local bartending scene highlighting the growing demand for young, creative talent to enhance cocktails and elevate the guest experience in modern hospitality. Now in its third consecutive year of support from IDL, Sri Lanka’s market leader in Locally Manufactured Foreign Liquor (LMFL), this edition promises to raise the bar higher than ever, revitalising a platform that champions professional growth, creativity, and world-class mixology.

Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association President Patrick Perera stated: “We are proud to partner with International Distillers Ltd., and the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management for the 30th edition of the National Bartenders Competition. This initiative not only celebrates Sri Lanka’s bartending talent and beverage innovation, but also provides young professionals the inspiration and competition, which strengthens Sri Lanka’s reputation as a world-class hospitality destination. We thank our partners and participants for their passion and dedication, and we look forward to the event’s success.”

International Distillers Ltd., Director/CEO Denath De Soysa remarked, “International Distillers Ltd., is delighted to be partnering once again with the SLHGA and SLITHM to host the National Bartenders Competition. Our support of this event aligns with our commitment to the development of bartending in Sri Lanka, developing the skills and careers of bartenders and mixologists, as well as enhancing the experience for their patrons. I thank the organisers and wish the participants all the best for NBC 2025.”

For 30 years, the National Bartenders Seminar and Competition has been a key force in shaping Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape. Organised by SLHGA in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM), the event has long been recognised as a key vehicle in bartending development by young professionals and local industry leaders alike.

National Bartenders Competition Chairman Dickson Karunarena highlighted: “With Sri Lanka’s tourism on the rise, skilled bartenders play a vital role in delivering world-class hospitality. The National Bartenders Competition 2025 continues to elevate industry standards by fostering creativity, precision, and professionalism. This year, we focus on developing bartenders not just as mixologists, but ambassadors of Sri Lanka’s vibrant hospitality scene.”

The National Bartenders Competition 2025 is set to be the largest and most comprehensive event of its kind in Sri Lanka, reinforcing its world-renowned reputation for skilled and world-class hospitality talent and creating a legacy of excellence over a 30-year celebration. With NBC 2025 officially launched, anticipation is high as well as a new benchmark for the future of Sri Lanka’s beverage and hospitality industry.

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