The Ministry of Education has officially announced the All Island School Art Competition 2026, providing an excellent opportunity for school students across Sri Lanka to showcase their creativity and artistic talent.
According to Circular No. 16/2026, the competition is open to students studying in:
- Government Schools
- Approved Private Schools
- Pirivenas
- International Schools
The annual competition aims to enhance students’ artistic abilities, improve technical skills, and encourage aesthetic appreciation while building balanced personalities through art education.
Competition Categories and Grade Groups
The competition consists of 74 categories under four main grade groups.
Grades 6–7 and Grades 8–9
Students in these categories can participate in:
- Expression Drawings
- Watercolor Paintings
- Pastel Art
- Collage Creations
- Mixed Media Art
- Decorative Designs
- Graphic Designs
Grades 10–11 and Grades 12–13
Senior students can compete in advanced artistic categories such as:
- Traditional Painting
- Still Life Drawing
- Landscape Painting
- Portrait Drawing
- Graphic Design
- Poster Designing
- Book Cover Designing
- Logo Designing
- Computer-Generated Art
Special Sculpture Category
The special sculpture section is open for students in Grades 10–13 and includes:
- Molding
- Carving
- Assembly Art
Important Dates – All Island School Art Competition 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Deadline for schools to submit artworks to Zonal Offices | 29 May 2026 |
| Completion of Zonal Competitions | 26 June 2026 |
| Provincial submissions to Ministry | 15 August 2026 |
| National Level Competitions | October 2026 |
| Final National Judging | 27 November 2026 |
Important Guidelines for Participants
Single Entry Rule
Students are generally allowed to participate in only one competition category. However, the Sculpture category is considered a separate special category.
Artwork Submission Standards
- Most artworks should be submitted on A3 size paper
- Computer-generated designs must be printed on A4 paper
Sculpture Category Applications
Students applying for sculpture competitions must submit:
- Three color photographs of the sculpture
- Different angle views of the artwork
- Completed Annex 04 Application Form
Applications should be sent directly to the:
Director of Aesthetic Education
Isurupaya, Battaramulla
| Circular | Sinhala PDF | Tamil PDF |
| Website | moe.gov.lk |
| Closing Date | 29 May 2026. |
