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A.R.B.J Rajapaksha
A.R.B.J Rajapaksha
May 14 2026
64The Grand Finale of the CAHM – 7 Star Junior Chef Competition – Season 01 was successfully held on 9th of May at the CAHM premises, SLIIT Main Campus, Malabe, celebrating the talent, creativity and passion of young aspiring chefs from across Sri Lanka.
Organised by the Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management (CAHM) at SLIIT, with 7 Star by Serendib Flour Mills as Title Sponsor, the national-level competition provided students aged 13 to 16 with a platform to explore culinary arts, gain practical exposure and discover future opportunities in hospitality.
The Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management (CAHM), Sri Lanka’s largest private hospitality, foods, tourism, and events education provider, in partnership with the William Angliss Institute, (RTO – 3045) Australia and operating within the SLIIT premises Malabe. Through this partnership, CAHM delivers internationally competitive training in culinary arts, offering students an exceptional learning experience that prepares them for opportunities in Sri Lanka and on the global stage.
The competition’s journey began with an encouraging islandwide response, attracting over 5,000 inquiries from aspiring participants, parents and schoolteachers, with over 1,400 applications submitted. Following a careful evaluation process, 204 applicants were shortlisted for the competition, progressing through structured rounds that offered hands-on culinary exposure, industry insights and preparatory guidance, before the final 10 contestants were selected to compete at the Grand Finale.
Following several competitive rounds, 10 finalists secured their places at the Grand Finale. The finalists were Bareerah Bariq of Muslim Ladies College Colombo 04, Nikhel Venuk Elisha of St Joseph’s College Colombo 10, Anooshka Vigneswaran of Girls High School Kandy, Prabhasha Muthubhashini Gunawardhana of Kalutara Balika Vidyalaya, Shamha Nazim of Ilma International Girls' School Colombo 05, Sithuki Siyansa Methsandi of Buddhist Ladies College Colombo 07, Sandaruwani Nisansala of Moratu Maha Vidyalaya Senuth Insanda of Nalanda College Colombo 10, Pinidu Senuranga Fernando of Boys' Model School Malabe, and Poorna Bandara Tennakoon of Royal International School Kurunegala.
The finalists were evaluated by a distinguished panel of industry experts comprising Chef Rohan Fernandopulle, Chef Alan Palmer, Chef Surith Adhihetty and Chef Vichalya Fernando,
who assessed the contestants based on skill, creativity, presentation and overall performance.
Following an impressive display of culinary talent, Shamha Nazim of Ilma International Girls' School Colombo 05 was crowned winner of the CAHM – 7 Star Junior Chef Competition – Season 01. Nikhel Venuk Elisha of St Joseph’s College Colombo 10 was named first runner-up, while Senuth Insanda of Nalanda College Colombo 10 secured the second runner-up position.
The winner of CAHM – 7 Star Junior Chef – Season 01 received a cash prize worth LKR 100,000 along with a scholarship valued at LKR 2.5 million to study either Commercial Cookery or Patisserie at CAHM under the William Angliss Institute qualification pathway.
The second-place winner received a cash prize of LKR 75,000, while the third-place winner received a cash prize of LKR 50,000. In addition, the top three winners were awarded a one-year supply of 7 Star wheat flour from Serendib Flour Mills, while the other winners received a three-month supply.
The winners were recognised at the Award Ceremony held later that evening at ITC Ratnadipa, attended by distinguished guests including His Excellency Matthew Duckworth, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest; Grant Dreher, Chief Executive Officer of the William Angliss Institute, as the Guest of Honour; Errol Weerasinghe and the CAHM Board of Directors; Vijay Sharma and his senior management team from Serendib Flour Mills (Pvt) Ltd; the esteemed judging panel; senior representatives of SLIIT; General Managers of Hotels partnered with CAHM; officials for the Ministry of Education; school principals; valued banking partners; generous sponsors and their representatives; proud parents; and members of the CAHM staff.
Mr. Errol Weerasinghe, Chairman of Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management (CAHM), stated, “The CAHM – 7 Star Junior Chef Competition was created to inspire the next generation of culinary professionals in Sri Lanka. The level of creativity, confidence, and passion demonstrated by these young participants has been truly remarkable. At CAHM, we remain committed to nurturing young talent by providing internationally recognised education and industry exposure that will help shape the future of Sri Lanka’s hospitality and culinary industry.”
Mr. Vijay Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of Serendib Flour Mills (Pvt) Ltd, said, “The successful conclusion of the CAHM – 7 Star Junior Chef Competition is a proud moment for 7 Star and Serendib Flour Mills. The competition has shown the remarkable passion, discipline and creativity of young culinary talent across Sri Lanka. Through this partnership with CAHM, we are pleased to support an initiative that helps young people discover the
possibilities within baking, culinary arts and hospitality, while contributing to the future of the industry.”
The CAHM – 7 Star Junior Chef season 01 competition marked the culmination of months of training, exposure and dedication, reinforcing the importance of nurturing young talent to support Sri Lanka’s growing culinary and hospitality sectors.
Serendib Flour Mills primary purpose is to nourish the nation with high quality products and with this initiative the company reinforces its purpose by nurturing future culinary talents.
