Browns Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with Periceyl, turned up the energy and artistry with the successful conclusion of Quintessential Bartender 2026 — an inter-hotel bartending competition created to spotlight, sharpen, and celebrate the group’s finest talent.

Bringing together bartenders from 16 Browns Hotels & Resorts properties across 10 iconic destinations, the competition offered a stage for personality, precision, storytelling, and skill, where the best bartenders from each resort went head-to-head in pursuit of the ultimate title.

The journey began with regional rounds hosted at Hotel Sigiriya, Club Hotel Dolphin Negombo, and Dickwella Resort & Spa, where competitors showcased their talents in both Classic and Innovative Cocktail categories before a respected judging panel. From these rounds, the top contenders earned their place in the grand finale at The Eden Beruwala, where the atmosphere was electric.

The grand finale was graced by Eksath Wijeratne, CEO of Browns Hotels & Resorts, and Senaka Amarathunaga, Director General Manager of Periceyl, reinforcing the importance of developing talent and driving excellence within the hospitality industry.

The distinguished judging panel featured Trevin Gomes, Managing Director of Cargills Retail and a respected pioneer in Sri Lankan hospitality; Ishadi Amanda, Mrs World 2024 1st Runner-Up and Mrs Sri Lanka for Mrs World 2024; Dushan Umayanga, All Island Flair Bartending Champion 2023 and Sri Lanka’s Got Talent Semifinalist 2024; Rodger Peterez, Beverage Expert and Trainer at Periceyl; and Kanishka Jayathunga, Head of Learning & Development at Browns Hotels & Resorts.

Adding to the spirit of the evening, General Managers from across the Browns Hotels & Resorts portfolio, together with hotel executive teams and Food & Beverage Managers, were present to cheer on their representatives and stand behind their teams in a strong show of unity, encouragement, and camaraderie.

What unfolded throughout the competition was a masterclass in modern mixology. There were cocktails inspired by Avurudu traditions, creations rooted in medicinal and wellness concepts, botanical blends layered with fresh herbs and aromatics, smoky and complex serves, and technique-driven drinks executed with finesse. Some competitors brought flair, drama, and showmanship to the stage, while others brought elegance, balance, and powerful storytelling. Local ingredients met international trends, proving that Sri Lankan bartending talent can stand confidently on any global platform.

Speaking at the finale, Eksath Wijeratne, CEO of Browns Hotels & Resorts, stated: “The level of talent displayed throughout this competition was truly inspiring. What stood out most was the passion, discipline, and originality shown by our teams. These are the individuals shaping guest experiences every day, and Quintessential Bartender 2026 has shown that our internal talent holds extraordinary potential. It gives us great confidence for the future of hospitality at Browns Hotels & Resorts.”

The competition crowned three exceptional winners whose creativity and consistency set them apart: Champion – Imalshi Kaushalya of Newburgh Ella – The Tea Factory Resort, 1st Runner-Up – Nimesh Denuwan of Club Hotel Dolphin, 2nd Runner-Up – Chamindu Nimrada of Dickwella Resort & Spa.

The concept behind Quintessential Bartender 2026, in collaboration with Periceyl, was driven by Pahan Wijendra, Cluster Beverage Manager; Baba Carrim, Head of Business Excellence; and Kanishka Jayathunga, Head of Learning & Development, with the vision of strengthening internal capabilities, uplifting beverage standards across the group, and creating a meaningful platform for associates to showcase their creativity and grow their craft.

The evening concluded on a high note with a fellowship gathering, where participants, winners, management teams, and supporters came together to celebrate the spirit of the competition, shared success, and the strong culture of talent development within Browns Hotels & Resorts.

With talent poured into every glass and passion behind every performance, Quintessential Bartender 2026 has firmly established itself as a signature platform within Browns Hotels & Resorts — one that raises the bar for excellence, innovation, and opportunity.

The Winners from left to right: Champion – Imalshi Kaushalya of Newburgh Ella, 1st Runner-Up – Nimesh Denuwan of Club Hotel Dolphin, 2nd Runner-Up – Chamindu Nimrada of Dickwella Resort

Eksath Wijerathne, CEO of Browns Hotels & Resorts addressing the gathering at the Grand Finale

Imalshi Kaushalya of Newburgh Ella during her winning presentation and cocktail preparation.

The judge panel of the Quintessential Bartender by Browns Hotels & Resorts

The Winners of the Grand Finale and regional champions with the management of Browns Hotels & Resorts & Periceyl