Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka’s selection of candidates for the culinary world’s most prestigious competition began on the 1^st of April with a master class featuring Michelin-starred Chef Roland Debuyst. The event was held at the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (SLITHM) Auditorium in Colombo under the patronage of Minister of Tourism and Christian Development Affairs Hon. John Amarathunga.

Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Kishu Gomes, Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association’s (CHSGA) Samantha Gunarathna and Trevin Gomez, Chairman of SLITHM Dilip De Silva, President of Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka Rohan Fernandopulle and the Committee of Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka were also present.

Speaking at the event the Hon. John Amarathunga noted, “Sri Lanka has much potential in the tourism sector but we are seeing a dearth in the talent entering the industry. Most of our best that come out of the hotel schools often go overseas because of the better opportunities but we are now noticing a change in this pattern as the hotels sector is now becoming a lucrative career choice. We certainly hope that competitions of this nature will motivate more and more young people to join the industry”.

Echoing similar sentiments Chairman of the SLTPB and SLTDA Kishu Gomes also said, “One of the aspects or sub-themes of the #sosrilanka tourism tagline is #soflavourful and although Sri Lanka has a rich culinary history we have still not been able to capitalize and take our unique flavours to the world. This is why competitions such as this are of paramount importance. We want all the participants to aim for the gold and take Sri Lanka to Lyon and beyond”.

The first master class for Bocuse d’ Or Sri Lanka featured Michelin-starred and Bocuse d’ Or silver medalist Chef Roland Debuyst. The class was attended by 35 teams of Chef and Commis from around the island who will participate in the finals of Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka. The teams will complete two courses of fish and beef meals with all the trimmings at an allotted time and will be judged on their kitchen skills, time management, plating and taste. The winners will represent Sri Lanka at the Asian Finals to be held in China.
“Sri Lanka has been gaining much international exposure with title of ‘Top travel destination for 2019’ by Lonely Planet and other mentions on BBC for Sri Lankan food etc. Hence this a great opportunity and platform to take the brand Sri Lanka further into the international culinary arena” said Rohan Fernandopulle, the President of Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka.
“As a non-profit organization, giving back to the industry, we are extremely grateful to all our partners and sponsors Dilmah, Sri Lankan Airlines, Sri Lanka Tourist Board, CHSGA, SLITHM, CDC Events, Palladium, Pragmatic, Round Island, Nestle, US Meat, Anchor, Upfield, Flipit, Chewy Cinnamon, East West, Queens Work Wear, Nehemiah Consultants and TNL Radio” added Daesaman Wimalasooriya, Promotions Manager for Bocuse d’ Or Sri Lanka.
Paul Bocuse created the Bocuse d’Or, a revolutionary gastronomy contest. Replicating the codes of major sporting events, he imagined a true show placing the emphasis on cooking and on the chefs. A professional tradeshow dedicated to gastronomy is conducted in Lyon, France.
Bocuse d’ Or Sri Lanka is a non-profit organization consisting of renowned chefs and hospitality industry professionals dedicated to uplift the culinary standards of Sri Lanka and facilitate the appointment of local candidates for the Bocuse d’Or competition. In addition to the competition we conduct a variety of Master Classes and Trainings by International chefs, to support local chefs.

Photo caption: (Above – from left) Hon. John Amarathunga Minister of Tourism and Christian Development Affairs addressing the gathering; Chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) Kishu Gomes addressing the participants and Executive Chef of Shangri-La Colombo and Training and Development Coordinator for Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka Patrick Buttgereit addressing the master class

Members of the Bocuse d’Or Sri Lanka Committee

Michelin-starred Chef Roland Debuyst at work