COLOMBO : SLAF celebrated a remarkable showcase of culinary talent on 03 September , as it hosted the inaugural Inter Unit Culinary Art Competition at SLAF Station Sigiriya.
The event, graced by Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, highlighted the exceptional skills of SLAF servicemen and women in a range of culinary disciplines.
This competition was held under the guidance of the Commander of the Air Force and the close supervision of Director General Logistics, Air Vice Marshal Deepal Munasinghe and the competition was designed to uncover and showcase the culinary talents of SLAF personnel. Open to all servicemen, irrespective of their branch or trade, the competition adhered to the stringent guidelines of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS), ensuring a standard of excellence.
The event, which attracted around 128 SLAF competitor and 17 outside competitors, was divided into two categories: Professional and Apprentice. The Professional category featured external hoteliers and previous SLAF medal winners from past Culinary Art Food Expo competitions. Meanwhile, the Apprentice category was specifically tailored for service personnel who had not yet competed in such events. Competitors showcased their skills across three main categories: Art and Static Food Display, Live Cooking, and Bartending.
In a notable expansion of the competition’s scope, professionals from regional hotels were invited for the first time, bringing additional expertise and prestige to the event. The judging panel comprised esteemed culinary experts from Sri Lanka, adding to the event’s high profile.
Winners of the competition received medals and certificates recognizing their culinary excellence. They will also benefit from further training opportunities and a chance to represent the SLAF at the Culinary Arts Food Expo Competition 2025, organized by the Chef Guild of Sri Lanka.
The competition also underscores the vision of expanding the Hospitality Management School at SLAF Station Sigiriya. The proposed expansion aims to train younger generation aspiring to pursue careers in Hospitality Management, with the goal of awarding NVQ Level 4 certificates. This initiative represents a significant step toward realizing the objectives set forth by the Commander of the Air Force.
The Inter Unit Culinary Art Competition not only showcased the exceptional culinary skills of the SLAF but also marked a significant step forward in the broader vision of enhancing Hospitality Management training and opportunities in Sri Lanka.
The event was attended by the presence of distinguished guests including The event was attended by the presence of distinguished guests including Air Chief Air Marshal Udeni Rajapakse, Senior Officers of Air Force Headquarters, Chairman of the Chef Guild of Lanka.
