Cinnamon Grand, Atrium was a hive of activity, the excitement was palpable as a new epoch in reality TV was about to unfold for the audiences of Sri Lanka and the stage was set for its grand unfolding. MasterChef Sri Lanka has been the dream of Nilendra Deshapriya for many years, with its rights owned by Banijay Entertainment and the show is all geared up to ignite and explore our nations’ rich culinary tapestry and provide an opportunity for homegrown talent to shine via a global stage.
MasterChef is a globally popular competitive cooking television show where amateur and home cooks compete in a series of culinary challenges to win the title of MasterChef. The show originated in the United Kingdom in 1990 and has since expanded into many international versions, including MasterChef Australia, MasterChef USA and MasterChef India. Contestants face pressure tests, mystery box challenges, and team events. Their dishes are judged by a panel of professional chefs, restaurateurs and food critics. Participants are gradually eliminated until a winner is chosen.
MasterChef Sri Lanka produced by Reality TV productions in association with Nilendra Deshapriya Productions unveiled the show’s judging panel, fronted by celebrated chef, Peter Kuruwita, born to Sri Lankan father and Austrian mother. Kuruwita has been spearheading Sri Lankan cuisine from where he now resides in Australia. His show, ‘My Sri Lanka with Peter Kuruvita’ aired in 2011 saw him return to Sri Lanka and his hometown to explore and travel across the island relishing the many diverse culinary creations of a small country with exciting variations in its food culture. Joining him will be Australian MasterChef season 16, third place winner, Savindri (Sav) Perera, Sri Lanka’s fine dining maestro, Rohan Fernandopulle and veteran culinary chef, Kapila Jayasinghe.
Kamal Munasinghe
Project President and Co–founder of Reality TV Productions, Ajith Gamlath, told the gathering at the launch that, “MasterChef Sri Lanka will bring world-class production, local culinary excellence and will bring global attention to our food industry. Reality TV Productions has invested heavily to secure the franchise so we can keep introducing more internally acclaimed reality-TV programs to Sri Lankan audiences.”
MasterChef Sri Lanka Director and Producer, Nilendra Deshapriya said, “I am truly delighted that we were able to officially bring the licensed MasterChef format to Sri Lanka, in full compliance with international standards. This program isn’t for professional chefs; it’s for everyday people from across the country.
While showcasing their culinary skills, they are also given the opportunity to recreate the traditional recipes passed down through generations, from their families and regions. But this isn’t just another cooking show, for 11 male and 11 female contestants who will take part; this becomes a life-changing opportunity. In a country where reality TV has long been limited to singing and dancing competitions, MasterChef introduces a completely new and transformative experience.”
Peter Kuruvita said, “MasterChef Sri Lanka is about showcasing the finest Sri Lankan flavours, techniques and our rich culinary heritage to the world.”
Even though he has lived abroad for most of his life, Peter fondly recalled that nothing compares to living in Sri Lanka, which has been his heart’s home, and doing something close to his heart will be a fulfilling experience.
Reflecting on her journey, Savindri Perera said MasterChef has been an emotional and transformative experience and has changed her life in ways she couldn’t imagine. When her mother’s passing left a vacuum none could replace, she took the bold step of quitting her job and entering MasterChef, after which her life changed forever.
“After my experience in MasterChef Australia, returning to Sri Lanka to help discover and mentor our next great chef is deeply meaningful. It’s more than just a title, its celebration of our identity through food,” She said.
Nilendra Deshapriya
She dedicated every dish she prepared to her mother, who herself was a fantastic cook. The experience has been therapeutic and life affirming for young Sav, and she hopes like many people will discover a new lease of life through this wonderful experience.
Veteran Chef Rohan Fernandopulle said the MasterChef show is a great opportunity to bring all those of different castes and creeds together. Regardless of one’s social station, or one’s wealth or lack thereof shouldn’t be a barrier when it comes to this show. He said all from different stations in life are welcome and let talent be the deciding factor to greatness. Filming and production are under way for the premier season, which will feature 25 episodes and be aired in September on ITN. The winner will receive Rs. 3 million, a luxury vehicle, and the title, along with the pride of being crowned the winner of Sri Lanka’s inaugural season of MasterChef.
As excitement builds and entries contribute to pour in, MasterChef Sri Lanka is shaping up to be one of the most talked about events of the year, with it becoming trending in many social media platforms. This show offers a powerful stage for everyday home cooks to pursue their culinary dreams and transform their passions into reality.
MasterChef is not just a cooking show—it’s an opportunity that will bring hidden culinary talent from obscurity into the limelight. Many past worldwide contestants have gone on to become chefs, authors, and food influencers and celebrities in their own right, paving the way for ample opportunities to further their careers.
The show celebrates creativity, precision, and passion for cooking. It also educates viewers about global cuisines, cooking techniques, and the power of food to bring people together and celebrates talent, creativity and passion in home cooking. Its arrival in Sri Lanka promises a fresh chapter in the franchise’s legacy, spotlighting our unique flavours, stories and talent embedded within the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Aspiring contestants can apply now at masterchefsl.com or via WhatsApp at + 9478752870, as the search for Sri Lanka’s next culinary sensation begins.
