National Bartenders Competition 2025 concludes

Classic Category Champion W.K. Rashen of Uncle’s Bar, Colombo

• IDL champions future of bartending in Sri Lanka
• A landmark celebration of talent, diversity and hospitality excellence as grand finale crowns nation’s top bartenders

IDL Executive Director Indhu Selvaratnam

The 30th edition of National Bartenders Competition 2025, Sri Lanka’s premier platform for bartending excellence, concluded in spectacular style at Cinnamon Grand Colombo. 

This milestone event marked a defining moment in the country’s hospitality calendar, bringing together top talent, a vibrant audience and the industry’s strongest advocates in one extraordinary evening. 

Organised by the Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association (SLHGA) in partnership with the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management and powered by International Distillers Ltd (IDL), the grand finale attracted nationwide attention. The event was streamed live on the NBC Facebook page.

Following six regional rounds and an electrifying semifinal, 10 top finalists, five each from the Classic and Flair categories, took the spotlight at the finale. The evening closed with the announcement of the following winners: Classic Category Champion – W.K. Rashen (Uncle’s Bar, Colombo), Flair Bartending Champion – Pasindu Rukshan (The Kingsbury Colombo), IDL Challenge Trophy – H.A.N.A. Amarasinghe (W15 Hanthana Estate, Kandy) and Most Popular Online Bartender – R.M. Kavishka Deshan (Araliya Beach Resort and Spa Unawatuna).

SLHGA President Patrick Pereira

One of the most celebrated milestones of this year’s competition was the remarkable rise in female participation. For the first time in NBC history, more than 20 percent of all contestants were women. Even more notably, four out of five Classic category finalists were female, reflecting a powerful shift in representation and recognition within Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape. 

“Celebrating the strong presence of women in this year’s competition is truly inspiring,” said IDL Executive Director Indhu Selvaratnam. 

“It reflects the growing confidence and ambition of female professionals in our industry and we are proud to support a platform that continues to empower and elevate their talent.”

Flair Bartending Champion Pasindu Rukshan of The Kingsbury Colombo