The 31st National Bartenders Competition (NBC) 2026 has successfully concluded all six regional rounds, reaffirming its position as Sri Lanka’s premier platform for bartending excellence, professional development, and hospitality industry advancement.

Organized by the Sri Lanka Hospitality Graduates Association (SLHGA) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (SLITHM), and supported by International Distillers Limited (IDL), the competition attracted a remarkable number of participants from across the island. NBC 2026 also witnessed one of the highest levels of female participation in the competition’s history, reflecting the growing opportunities available to women within the hospitality industry.

The regional rounds were hosted at leading hospitality establishments across Sri Lanka: Amaya Lake for the Cultural Triangle & East Coast region, Grand Kandyan Hotel for Kandy & Nuwara Eliya, Araliya Unawatuna for Deep Down South, The Blue Water Hotel & Spa for Down South, Club Hotel Dolphin for Negombo, and Sheraton Colombo for the Colombo region.

Prior to the regional competitions, comprehensive training and briefing sessions were conducted in all regions. These sessions focused on the latest bartending trends, emerging technologies, competition guidelines, presentation standards, and modern mixology techniques, ensuring participants were well-prepared to compete at a national level.

Throughout the regional rounds, contestants demonstrated exceptional creativity and technical expertise, crafting innovative cocktails using Sri Lankan spirits alongside locally sourced fruits, herbs, spices, and other indigenous ingredients. Their creations highlighted both the versatility of local ingredients and the evolving standards of Sri Lanka’s bartending profession.

Beyond competition, NBC continues to play a vital role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s hospitality workforce by fostering skill development, creativity, professionalism, and career growth opportunities. The initiative also contributes towards enhancing service standards within the hospitality sector, supporting Sri Lanka’s ambitions as a world-class tourism destination.

Through its continued support of NBC, IDL reaffirms its commitment to empowering hospitality professionals and supporting the long-term development of the industry, while SLHGA remains dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for talent across the country.

Following the successful completion of the regional rounds, selected contestants participated in an exclusive Master Class held on 4th June at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, where they received valuable insights and advanced training from industry experts. The competition now moves to the Semi-Finals on 15th June at Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo, before culminating at the Grand Finale on 26th June at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, where Sri Lanka’s finest bartenders will compete for national honours..

As NBC 2026 moves into its final stages, it continues to celebrate the passion, innovation, and talent that define Sri Lanka’s bartending community.