Nestlé Professional Sri Lanka, in partnership with the Chefs Guild of Lanka, commenced the regional rounds of the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Competition 2026, with the Colombo and Negombo competitions held at Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
The island-wide culinary competition aims to identify, nurture and develop emerging culinary talent within Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. Through the initiative, Nestlé Professional Sri Lanka continues its efforts to support the growth of the country’s hospitality sector and the next generation of chefs.
Nine regional competitions will be conducted across the island, with the Colombo and Negombo rounds marking the commencement of this year’s regional competitions. Culinary teams from leading hotels and hospitality establishments across the two regions showcased their skills and creativity in a closely contested competition. The top three teams from each region were selected to advance to the finals.
This year's competition also introduced the Nestlé Green Spatula Award, a global recognition developed in partnership with the World Chefs Association to celebrate sustainable culinary practices. Integrated into the competition for the first time, the award recognizes chefs and culinary teams that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability through initiatives such as reducing food waste, sourcing responsibly, and adopting environmentally conscious kitchen practices. The award reflects Nestlé's broader commitment to supporting more sustainable food systems both locally and globally.
The regional rounds of the Nestlé Golden Chef’s Hat Competition 2026 will take place from July to October, with the finalists progressing to the grand finale in November.
Colombo Region
Nestlé Professional Green Spatula Award - Bellagio Colombo
Chef R. Dewadasan
Chef T.D.K. Kumara
Winner - ITC Ranadeepa
Chef Thirini Hiranya
Chef Kavindu Gayashan
1st Runner Up -Cinnamon Grand
Chef Dilhan Karunathilaka
Chef Natasha Dewine
2nd Runner Up - Galleface Hotel
Chef Veeramma Dinesh
Chef K.G.A. Ometh
Negombo Region
Nestlé Professional Green Spatula Award - Sri Lankan Catering
Chef U.A.S. Shreelal
Chef I.A.T. Ransana
Winner - Sri Lankan Catering
Chef U.A.S. Shreelal
Chef I.A.T. Ransana
1st Runner Up - Goldi Sands Hotel
Chef H.A. Geethika Jyasingha
Chef W.C. Suraj Franando
2nd Runner Up - Earls Regent Negombo
Chef G.K.J.M. Keerthisiri
Chef D.D. Kavindi Dalugamage
Guided by its purpose of ‘unlocking the power of food and beverages to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come’, Nestlé Lanka has been enriching Sri Lankan lives and nourishing generations with tasty, and nutritious products of the highest quality. As the B2B arm of Nestlé Lanka, Nestlé Professional Sri Lanka has always been at the forefront of the development of Sri Lanka’s culinary industry and will continue its efforts by working together with food service professionals to offer tailored solutions that address unique business challenges and opportunities to grow and succeed.
