MasterChef: Top 20 are in
Produced by Reality TV Productions (Pvt) Ltd, the show is presented under licence from Banijay Entertainment and brings an internationally established format to Sri Lankan screens. The debut season signals a new chapter in the country’s television and culinary landscape, positioning Sri Lanka within a franchise broadcast in 72 countries worldwide.
Showcasing Sri Lanka on a plate: The MasterChef Season 1 Top 20
In partnership with Sri Lanka’s leading hospitality brand, Cinnamon Grand and Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, the MasterChef Kitchen Studio has been purpose-built at Cinnamon Grand Colombo, in line with global production standards associated with the franchise. While the interpretation of challenges has been tailored to reflect Sri Lanka’s culinary identity and resonate with local audiences, similar to how each country localises the franchise, the structural framework of MasterChef Sri Lanka remains consistent with the internationally recognised format. Certain production elements also remain confidential in order to preserve the integrity and surprise of the competition for viewers.
The inaugural season opened with the intensive three-episode Bootcamp phase, a crucial stage dedicated entirely to selecting the final Top 20 contestants.
Held in a warehouse-style environment at Temple Trees and designed to meet international MasterChef standards, judges evaluated contestants not only on flavour and presentation, but also on adaptability, discipline, and composure under pressure, requiring each to prove they deserved a place in the competition.
Under the theme “Sri Lanka on a Plate,” the first season aims to showcase the country’s culinary excellence to the world. This is not limited to traditional cooking. Contestants are encouraged to elevate Sri Lankan flavours into contemporary, globally relevant fine-dining expressions. The challenges reflect the depth, technical precision and layered complexity inherent in Sri Lankan cuisine, often requiring intricate preparation within tight time frames. Far from diluting the format, the competition maintains the intensity associated with MasterChef worldwide. The technical demands placed on contestants reflect both global standards and the richness of Sri Lanka’s culinary heritage.
Intentionally representing Sri Lanka’s diversity, the kitchen becomes a shared space where contestants from different regions, ethnicities, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds contribute to the broader expression of national identity. Through masterclasses and mentorship from trained chefs, raw talent is identified and refined during the competition period with the aim of introducing skilled individuals into the wider culinary industry and providing them a national platform to showcase their craft.
“MasterChef Sri Lanka is about more than competition, it’s a platform to celebrate the rich diversity of Sri Lankan cuisine and the incredible talent across the country. Our Top 20 contestants bring stories, skills, and passion from all corners of Sri Lanka, and the kitchen is where these talents shine on a global stage,” said ShowRunner / Director Risinu Gamlath.
Securing a global format of this magnitude requires proven financial, logistical, operational, and creative capability. Reality TV Productions (Pvt) Ltd underwent a rigorous approval process before being entrusted with the rights by Banijay Entertainment, demonstrating both the company’s capacity and Sri Lanka’s readiness to host a production of this scale.
“Bringing a global format like MasterChef to Sri Lanka is no small feat. From securing the rights to building a world-class kitchen and assembling the right team, every step reflects our commitment to delivering a production that meets international standards. Sri Lanka is ready, and we’re proud to showcase the country’s culinary excellence on this scale,” said Executive Producer Ajith Gamlath.
The winner of MasterChef Sri Lanka Season 1 will take home the prestigious MasterChef Sri Lanka trophy, a cash prize of LKR 3 million, and a BYD Sea Lion 5, a life-changing opportunity for the country’s most talented home cook.
MasterChef Sri Lanka is flavoured by CBL Group as the Main Sponsor, featuring its signature brands Munchee, Sera and Ritzbury Professional. Cinnamon Grand and Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts serve as the Official Hospitality Partner, providing accommodation, meals and full hospitality support for contestants and guests.
New Anthoney’s Farms (NAF) joins in as the Official Poultry Supplier, Keells Super is the Official Supermarket Partner, and Anchor comes on board as the Official Dairy Partner, while Edinborough Products serves as the Official Sauces and Condiments Partner. MOTHA is the Official Dessert Ingredients Partner and Turkey Cooking Oil joins in as the Cooking Oil Partner.
NOLIMIT serves as the Official Clothing Partner, while Singer supports the production as the Official Appliance and Furniture Partner, while Flora Tissues & Hygiene Products ensures hygiene support as the Official Hygiene Products Partner. BYD joins as the Official Automobile Partner. VISA serves as the Official Payment Partner, Richardson as the Official Outdoor Advertising Partner, and the show will be broadcast on Independent Television Network (ITN), with Wijeya Newspapers as Print Media Partner.
Catch the MasterChef episodes every Saturday and Sunday on ITN at 8 p.m.
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