MasterChef Sri Lanka cooks up local debut

From left: Cinnamon Grand Colombo General Manager and Area Manager Kamal Munasinghe, ITN Chairman Priyantha Wedamulla, MasterChef Sri Lanka Director and Producer Nilendra Deshapriya, MasterChef Sri Lanka Head Judge Peter Kuruvita with MasterChef Sri Lanka judges Savindri (Sav) Perera, Rohan Fernandopulle and Kapila Jayasinghe and Reality TV Productions Project President and Co-Founder Ajith Gamlath

PIC BY KITHSIRI DE MEL

MasterChef Sri Lanka is set to make its television debut as the 71st international adaptation of the globally acclaimed culinary franchise, the producers announced this week, positioning the show as a premium offering in the island’s reality TV space.

Produced by Reality TV Productions in association with Nilendra Deshapriya Productions, the local edition will feature a powerhouse panel led by renowned chef and restaurateur Peter Kuruvita. 

Joining him on the judging table are Savindri (Sav) Perera, a finalist from MasterChef Australia, Sri Lanka’s fine dining trailblazer Rohan Fernandopulle and veteran chef Kapila Jayasinghe.

The latest version of MasterChef follows a deal negotiated by Banijay Rights EVP Sales Asia Rashmi Bajpai. 

“We are proud to mark this globally renowned format’s 71st commission with a tantalising new version in Sri Lanka,” she said. 

“The nation’s rich culinary heritage will be perfectly showcased by our television partners this September.”

Speaking at the launch, Reality TV Productions Project President and Co-Founder Ajith Gamlath said, “MasterChef Sri Lanka will bring a world-class production, local culinary excellence and global attention to our food industry and Reality TV Productions has invested heavily to secure the official franchise, so we can keep introducing more internationally acclaimed reality TV programmes to Sri Lankan audiences.”

MasterChef Sri Lanka Director and Producer Nilendra Deshapriya added, “I am truly delighted that we were able to officially bring the licensed MasterChef format to Sri Lanka, in full compliance with international standards. This programme isn’t just for professional chefs; it’s for everyday people from across the country. While showcasing their culinary skills, they are also given the opportunity to recreate the traditional recipes passed down through generations, from their families and regions.”

He added this isn’t just another cooking show. For the 11 male and 11 female contestants, who will take part, this becomes a life-changing opportunity. 

“In a country where reality television has long been limited to singing and dancing competitions, MasterChef introduces a completely new and transformative experience.”

Adding to the momentum, Kuruvita noted, MasterChef Sri Lanka is about showcasing the finest Sri Lankan flavours, techniques and our rich culinary heritage to the world.

Reflecting on her journey, Perera shared that after her experience on MasterChef Australia, returning to Sri Lanka to help discover and mentor the next great chef is deeply meaningful. 

“It’s more than just a title; it’s a celebration of our identity through food,” she said.

Filming and production are currently underway for the premiere season, which will feature 25 episodes and is scheduled to air in September 2025 on ITN. 

The winner will receive Rs.3 million in cash, a luxury vehicle and the coveted title, along with the pride of being crowned the winner of Sri Lanka’s inaugural season of MasterChef.

As excitement builds and entries continue to pour in, MasterChef Sri Lanka is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about television events of the year. The show offers a powerful platform for everyday home cooks to pursue their culinary dreams and turn their passion into reality.

Originating in the UK in 1990, MasterChef is a globally renowned competitive cooking reality show format created by Franc Roddam, represented internationally by Banijay Entertainment and commissioned across 71 markets. The show celebrates talent, creativity and passion in home cooking and its arrival in Sri Lanka promises a fresh chapter in the franchise’s legacy, spotlighting the unique flavours, stories and talent rooted in the island’s cuisine.