All Island School Art Competition 2026 Sri Lanka – Everything You Need to Know
All Island School
Art Competition 2026
Complete guide for Sri Lankan students and teachers — categories, deadlines, awards, and submission rules.
01. What Is the All Island School Art Competition?
The All Island School Art Competition 2026 is an annual national event organised by the Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education of Sri Lanka. Officially announced under Circular No. 16/2026, the competition gives students from across the island a prestigious platform to demonstrate their artistic abilities — from watercolour painting to computer-generated design and sculpture.
"The competition aims to provide a platform for students and teachers to showcase their artistic talents, refine technical skills, and foster a balanced personality through aesthetic education."
— Ministry of Education, Circular No. 16/2026With a total of 74 specific competition categories spread across four grade groups, this is one of the largest art events in the Sri Lankan school calendar. Winners at the national level receive coveted memorial awards named after legendary Sri Lankan artists.
02. Who Can Enter?
The competition is open to students enrolled in:
- Government schools
- Approved private schools
- Pirivenas (Buddhist monastic schools)
- International schools
📌 One Category Rule: Students may generally enter only one category. The Sculpture category is the sole exception — it is treated as a separate special entry and can be entered in addition to a student's main category.
03. Competition Categories by Grade
The competition is structured into four grade groups, each with age-appropriate categories covering a broad range of artistic disciplines:
Grades 6 – 7
- Watercolour expression drawings
- Pastel expression drawings
- Collage
- Mixed media
- Decorative designs
- Graphic designs
Grades 8 – 9
- Watercolour expression drawings
- Pastel expression drawings
- Collage
- Mixed media
- Decorative designs
- Graphic designs
Grades 10 – 11
- Traditional painting
- Still life
- Landscape painting
- Portraiture
- Posters, book covers & logos
- Computer-generated art
Grades 12 – 13
- Traditional painting
- Still life
- Landscape painting
- Portraiture
- Posters, book covers & logos
- Computer-generated art
🗿 Special Category: Sculpture (Grades 10–13)
The Sculpture category is open to students in Grades 10 through 13. It covers three disciplines:
Molding · Carving · Assembly
Sculpture is handled as a standalone special entry — students who submit a sculpture can also compete in one other category from their grade group.
04. Key Dates & Competition Stages
The competition runs through seven distinct stages from school level all the way to the national final in late 2026:
05. Submission Guidelines
📐 Paper & Format Requirements
- Physical artworks (paintings, drawings, designs) must be submitted on A3 size paper.
- Computer-generated graphics must be printed on A4 size paper.
📸 Sculpture Submissions
Students entering the Sculpture category must:
✦ Submit three colour photographs showing different views of their sculpture.
✦ Complete and submit the "Annex 04" application form.
✦ Send both directly to the Director of Aesthetic Education at 'Isurupaya' by May 29, 2026.
📋 General Advice
- Submit artwork through your school to the Zonal Education Office before the deadline.
- Ensure all artwork is clearly labelled with the student's name, grade, school, and category.
- Contact your Zonal Education Office for zone-specific instructions.
- Check the Ministry's official website at www.moe.gov.lk for the latest circulars and updates.
06. How Entries Are Graded
All entries are evaluated by a panel of judges against four core criteria:
- Theme Relevance — How well the work interprets the assigned theme
- Technical Skill — Mastery of the chosen medium and technique
- Use of Media — Creative and effective use of materials
- Overall Finish — Presentation, completeness, and visual impact
Entries are scored on the following grading scale:
| Grade | Score Range | Level |
|---|---|---|
| A | 75 – 100 | Distinction / Excellent |
| B | 50 – 74 | Merit / Good |
| C | 0 – 49 | Participation |
Certificates of merit and participation are awarded at Zonal, Provincial, and National levels, so recognition is not limited only to national finalists.
07. Awards & Recognition
National-level winners in each discipline receive prestigious memorial awards named in honour of celebrated Sri Lankan artists:
08. Tips for Students & Teachers
For Students
- Start early — the May 29 deadline is sooner than it looks. Plan your artwork weeks in advance.
- Choose your category carefully. Play to your strength, whether that's traditional painting, digital art, or sculpture.
- Study previous winning artworks to understand what judges look for in theme relevance and finish.
- For computer graphics, print on high-quality A4 paper and ensure colours are accurate to screen.
- Sculpture entrants: take your three photographs in good natural lighting to clearly show all angles.
For Teachers & Schools
- Ensure students are registered in one category only (plus sculpture if applicable).
- Coordinate with your Zonal Education Office early to confirm submission procedures.
- Double-check the Annex 04 form for sculpture entries is complete before the May 29 deadline.
- Use this competition as a curriculum opportunity — tie the themes to your aesthetic education syllabus.
📞 Further Information: Contact your Zonal Education Office for zone-specific guidelines, or visit the Ministry's official website at www.moe.gov.lk for the full circular and Annex forms.
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