Competition to develop bartendering skills

SKILL PROMOTION: In an innovative attempt to foster creativity, and identify talents Chaaya Hotels and Resorts recently inaugurated an Inter Hotel Bartenders Competition.

The objective of this competition was to develop the bartendering skills of its staff, a skill much important in hospitality a press release states. Forty participants were specially trained and their skills were welltuned and 18 participants were chosen for the Finals.

Special mention must be made about the single female finalist of the group, which indicates that females are now opting for this male dominated area in this industry.

The Grand Finale, being the second stage, was conducted at Chaaya Village Habarana. “Lovers Leap” was awarded to the Most Innovative Cocktail’, and was also the winning preparation by the best bartender.

The cocktail, which won in the fields of ‘Best International Cocktail’, and ‘Best Flair Bartender’, was the “Singapore Sling”, a press release stated.

Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Chaaya Hotels and Resorts Jayantissa Kehelpannala, in his keynote address stressed the importance of developing the team which should be a continuous effort.

He further stated that witnessing this event confirmed his belief that if given the opportunity people could excel in whatever they do.

Three Challenge Trophies were awarded to the winners of the finals. Kehelpannala awarded the Challenge trophies for Ravindra Dissanayake of Chaaya Village Habarana - Best Bartender of the group Sameera Guneratne of Chaaya Citadel - Best Flair Bartender of the group.

Sunimal Senanayake, Head of Human Resources for John Keells Leisure Group awarded the Challenge Trophy for the Best Innovative Cocktail of the Year to Ravindra Dissanayake of Chaaya Village Habarana. Kamal Hapuwatte, Principal, Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel School was among other invitees.