Chef Keerthi Hapugasdeniya, fondly known as Chef happyK, is an internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan-born chef based in Australia. With a career spanning over two decades across Sri Lanka, Switzerland, and Australia, he has become a celebrated culinary innovator, entrepreneur, and global judge.

Founder of “happyK Solutions”, a leading consultancy in in-flight hospitality, catering, and tourism, he has built a strong international presence with offices in Australia and Vietnam. Chef happyK has represented Australia at the Culinary Olympics in Germany, winning a prestigious gold medal, and has judged at renowned culinary competitions worldwide.

Beyond consultancy, he holds several Guinness World Records, organizes international food festivals, and hosts the long-running Melbourne TV show Culinary Corner, inspiring audiences and promoting global culinary culture.

Meet the Culinary Jury Members of the ECA Live Cooking Competitions at HACE 2025