The stalls of the two companies were strikingly branded and the distinctive décor was well-appreciated. Located prominently, the "Cinnamon" stall displayed the vibrant colors and indulgent ambience of the brand, while the 'Chaaya' stall created a visual atmosphere of the different experiences made possible through the 'Chaaya' brand. The stalls were visited by Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Milinda Moragoda.

Representing the Cinnamon and Chaaya Hotels and Resorts stall were Mr. Jayantissa Kehelpannala, Executive Vice President - John Keells Holdings PLC and Sector Head of Leisure Resorts, Mr. Channa Jayasundara, Asst. Vice President - John Keells Maldivian Resorts and Head of Sales and Marketing - Maldivian Resorts and Mr. Mani Sugathapala, Asst. Vice President - John Keells Holdings PLC and Head of Sales and Marketing - Sri Lankan Resorts.

Keells Resort Hotels owns and operates 11 destinations spread out all over Sri Lanka and the Maldives, under both the 'Cinnamon' and 'Chaaya' brands.

Born in Kiribathkumbura (near Pilimatalawa) and educated at the Peradeniya Junior Secondary School, Nilmini has successfully passed her G.C.E (Ordinary Level) exam and excelled in netball and dancing whilst in school. Joining the team at Chaaya Village as a hostess in March 2006, Nilmini started her winning streak in June 2008, by emerging as the winner in the 'Classical Category' in the Cultural Triangle leg of the National Bartending competition. Having then been sent to the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management for further training to enhance her talents, Nilmini was selected among the 17 contestants for the Grand Final in Colombo. Living up to everyone's expectations, Nilmini emerged the winner in the 'Classical Category' at national level in the Grand Finals held at the Waters Edge, Colombo in July 2008.

Jayantissa Kehelpannala, Executive Vice President, John Keells Holdings PLC and Sector Head - Resort Hotels, said, "Nilmini has brought honour and glory, not only to the Chaaya brand, but also to Sri Lanka. It is after a period of 14 years that a Sri Lankan has achieved a milestone of this magnitude in the Asia-Pacific, where bartenders from England, Italy and Sweden also participated on invitation. We consider it a privilege to have her as a part of our team and we wish her well in setting her mark in the international arena in the future, too."

This year, participants from John Keells Resort Hotels competed in three regions- the Cultural Triangle, Kandy and Down South. From among them, eight talented young individuals who dominated the top places in their regions, swept through to the finals. That's eight Keells Resorts employees out of twenty seven finalists from all around Sri Lanka. Each contestant was responsible for every aspect of his or her own entry. Therefore the cocktails presented at the competition were created, flared and showcased by the participants themselves.

Ms. Nilmini Dissanayake of Chaaya Village was adjudged the winner in the much coveted Classical category for her cocktail Midnight Glory which makes her the star of the evening. Ms. Vindya Fernando of Chaaya Citadel came up second for her cocktail Sweet Love. Winning 1st and 2nd place is a remarkable achievement for any hotel chain. It's doubly noteworthy because these contestants are both women who happened to be competing in a field that's generally dominated by men.

In Flaring, which is the most entertaining and action oriented category, Mr. Chandana Kumara of Cinnamon Lodge bagged first place for his cocktail Frog Grog while Keerthi Pushpakumara of Bentota Beach was awarded 2nd place for his cocktail Bloom in Blue. They were both highly skilled and dynamic, impressing the judges with their competence. Furthermore, Ms. Vindya Fernando of Chaaya Citadel was 2nd runner up in the Mocktail category for her creation Berry Combo. This was the second win for the evening for this capable young lady.

Having proved that they are Sri Lanka's best, these four winners who won 1st and 2nd place, will go on to represent our country in the Asia Pacific competition to be held in Singapore. It's an outstanding achievement indeed.

This is the first time that John Keells Resorts won 1st places and 1st runners up in two main categories. The other promising bartenders from Keells Resorts who displayed their skills and made it to the finals are Mr. Sidath Niroshan Silva from Bentota Beach, Mr. Darshana Uyanage from Chaaya Village, Mr. Amila U. Dissanayake from Cinnamon Lodge and K. G Roshan from Chaaya Citadel.

The teams were trained by senior Keells Resorts staff Chidrupa de Silva, Manager Training & Development, Mayurie De Silva, Manager Training & Development, Janaka Illeperuma, Asst Manager Training & Development/ F&B and Chritadasa Earnest, Asst Manager Training & Development/ F&B.

Speaking about this amazing win, Mr. Jayantissa Kehelpannala, Executive Vise President, John Keells Holdings, said "It was a great team effort. This has given the entire Resort Hotels Sector a morale boost. I take this opportunity to congratulate all the winners and the finalists. I would also like to place on record my sincere appreciation to the training teams and all others who contributed to this great achievement."

The four winning contestants were ecstatic. While expressing their thanks to their managers for supporting them and guiding them on their journey to success, they are aware that there's more work to be done if they are to bring glory to Sri Lanka in the forthcoming Asia Pacific competition.

The John Keells Group and its subsidiary companies are deeply committed to Corporate Social Responsibility and sustainable development. This commitment was reflected in the Presidential Corporate Social Responsibility Industry Award won by Chaaya Village Habarana for its outstanding contribution to the community. The 'Halmillawa Village Up-liftment' is a project of John Keells Social Responsibility Foundation and is implemented by Chaaya Village Habarana. It seeks to give meaningful support to the village and its inhabitants through Pre-School Teaching, Vocational Training, Youth Development, Empowerment of Women, Computer and English language training in the hope that the villagers gain not just knowledge and qualifications but the pre-requisites for employment as well. At Chaaya Hotels and Resorts the people, their livelihoods and ways of life are very much a part of the experience that mirrors the essence of a certain time and sprit manifesting the culture, history and environment that surrounds the hotel.

The award for the Best Effort in Tourism Marketing went to the launch campaign for Chaaya Hotels and Resorts. Executed by Masters DDB and unveiled at the International Tourist Fair in Berlin (ITB), the campaign in its many dimensions brought to life the Brand's promise of 'One Journe,. Many paths' in new and innovative ways. While the brand broke new ground in introducing the concept of 'Experience Packages' which were unique to the location of each Chaaya property, the marketing and advertising needed to 'showcase' these offerings and present them to travellers in an enticing manner. Chaaya Hotels and Resorts have since launched 5 resort hotels in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

Chaaya Village Habarana was also recognized internationally and awarded the PATA Gold award in the Environment/ Eco tourism field, after competing against several international entrants within the Asia Pacific region. The resort prides itself on its eco friendly practices and believes passionately in developing the community and protecting and enhancing the environment. The hotel endeavors to incessantly provide its visitors, a travel destination rich in cultural and natural beauty, while ensuring that the eco system or life style of the local population remains undisturbed. Chaaya Village has top processors in place, having earned ISO for ISO 22000, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. A PATA Gold Award for Marketing Media - CD Rom category was also won by Chaaya Hotels and Resorts for the Corporate Communication CD which was developed to promote the Chaaya Brand.

In addition Chaaya Village Habarana was the recipient of the Gold Award in the Environment / Ecotourism category. The resort prides itself on its eco friendly practices, and for offering its guest an experience that will both enhance their knowledge and appreciation of the environs the resort is situated in.

The personality of the brand itself is built around reflecting the environment of the locations in which the hotels are situated, and this is clearly evident at Chaaya Village Habarana. The CEO of, Chaaya Hotels & Resorts, Mr. Jayantissa Kehelpannala, acclaims "This is a great achievement that makes us very proud, given that we were chosen from among 339 entries sent in by 132 organizations. The team effort of the staff has been commendable as always"

The PATA Gold Awards 2007 presentation ceremony will be held on the 28th of September 2007 at the Grand Hyatt, Bali, Indonesia.