SLIIT’s CAHM puts Sri Lanka on the map at Young Chef Olympiad Competition 2016

Chef Surene, Weenu Braun and CEO Steven Bradie-Miles

The Colombo Academy of Hospitality Management (CAHM) had the privilege of representing Sri Lanka at the Young Chef Olympiad Competition 2016, competing against 66 countries. 

Weenu Braun, a current student at the Academy, took part in the competition as he visited Kolkata, India, and won the 13th position. 

This was the second Young Chef Olympiad competition that was organised in India by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM). Culinary expertise was showcased during the four-day cook-off as the countries battled each other. A total of 67 top student chefs, 67 culinary schools and 67 countries participated and the United Arab Emirates acquired the 1st position with 80.9 points, while Sri Lanka had a total of 71.2 points.

CAHM was invited to be a part of this competition after many surveys and research done by the organisers, as the Academy met their criteria in being of international standard in order to compete against well-recognised culinary schools from around the world. 

This competition was the brainchild of the owner of IIHM Dr. Suborno Bose, Prof. David Foskett and Chef Shaun Kenworthy and it all came to life in 2015.In 2015, CAHM represented Sri Lanka for the first time withits now alumnus Harsha Alahakoon, who was guided by its senior chef and Brand Ambassador for Knorr, Chef KapilaJayanetti. 

In order to send the best culinary student to represent CAHM at the Young Chef Olympiad 2016, the Academy held an internal culinary competition where Weenu Braun won first place and also the opportunity to be the only student to represent not only the Academy but Sri Lanka. 

In preparation for the main competition, Weenu had to practice every week along with ChefSurene, a teacher at CAHM who mentored him through this journey. Practicing to make two portions of main course dish in 90 minutes whilstensuring that he kept pre-planning, documenting and maintaining hygiene standards was a challenging task. With the support from his teachers and CEOSteven Bradie-Miles, Weenu has literally gone places and put Sri Lanka on the map. 

Commenting on this experience, Weenu said: “I learnt so much, everything I did on that day was all thanks to Chef Kapila and Chef Surene as I followed everything they said to the dot. The atmosphere was great and it was a good opportunity to mingle with so many equal minded contestants who were very friendly. This helped me capitalise on my strengths and to continue to be a team player. A special thank you to Mr.Surene for keeping me calm and helping me build my confidence.”

Chef Jayanettisaid: “The dream continues until I bring the main Young Chef Olympiad trophy to Sri Lanka.At the moment, we are doing only fundamentals and to compete with many culinary schools, we need to keep at it. 

A special thank you toour ChairmanErrol Weerainghe, our CEO Steven Bradie-Miles and the management as even for me, personally, this was a great opportunity and a great experience.”

CAHM also expressed its thanks to Chef BuddhikaSamarasekera, Executive Chef of Waters Edge, for his guidance, and acknowledged Chef SamanWijeratneand Unilever Sri Lanka Ltd. – Knorr, for supporting culinary excellence through its sponsorship.  

The Academy solely believes in encouraging and helping students achieve their ambitions and be successful individuals who will contribute to the economy of Sri Lanka and worldwide. 

CAHM is on a hunt for the next student who will follow Weenu’s path of success and represent Sri Lanka next year at the Young Chef Olympiad Competition 2017. CAHM is in partnership with SLIIT and follows the William Angliss Institute, Australia curriculum. William Angliss is the specialist centrefor Hospitality, Tourism, Foods and Events. 

To be a part of the CAHM family, contact it now for inquiries on courses and intakes and grab the opportunity of being under the lime light as it gives the chance to shine in a career path in an exciting and rewarding industry. Call 2407780 or mail [email protected] check website www.cahm.lk.