John Keells Hotels on top at the annual national bartenders competition 2008
The staff of John Keells Hotels were, without a doubt, proved to be the crème de la creme of the 17th National Bartenders Competition 2008 held recently at the Waters Edge, having tipped the scales very heavily in their favour. This prestigious annual event attracts gifted bartenders and hoteliers from all of Sri Lanka's city and resort hotels. Competition is always fierce with participants practicing and preparing for the event for months ahead. Organized by the Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association and SLITHM which is the Sri Lanka Institute for Tourism and Hotel Management, this is one of the most exciting annual events in the hotels calendar.
The qualifying rounds are held regionally, according to where the hotels are situated in the country. Only those who qualify for the finalists are invited to vie for the winning places of the much celebrated All Island Competition which is held in Colombo.
As customary, they compete in three main categories which are Classical, Flaring and Mocktails. Classical is considered to be the most significant among them, while Flaring tests their dexterity, agility and balance behind the bar. The third category, Mocktails allows them freedom to explore and experiment within the boundaries of non-alcoholic ingredients. Judging is based on creativity, selling skills, PR and technical skills. Contestants are observed right through the creation process. Their deftness at mixing cocktails, their knowledge of ingredients and flare is duly noted as much as the final product.
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John Keells Group awarded 5 Presidential Awards for Travel and Tourism. 
Chaaya Hotels & Resorts has proven its excellence by winning two prestigious international PATA Gold Awards in the Environment / Ecotourism and the Marketing Media - CD Rom categories.