Four Outstanding Young Biologists Carry the Lion Flag with Pride in Vilnius, Lithuania
Sri Lanka’s young biologists have earned two bronze medals and one Merit Award at the 2026 International Biology Olympiad in Lithuania. This achievement celebrates four exceptional students, their schools and the academic teams that prepared them to compete successfully on one of the world’s most demanding science stages.
Sri Lanka has achieved an inspiring international success at the 37th International Biology Olympiad – IBO 2026, securing two bronze medals and one Merit Award.
The prestigious global competition was held from 12 to 19 July 2026 in Vilnius, Lithuania, bringing together some of the world’s brightest secondary-school biology students. The official IBO 2026 organisers describe the Olympiad as the world’s leading biology competition for high-school students.
Representing Sri Lanka were four talented students from St. Peter’s College, Colombo, and Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo.
According to the results announcement shared by the Sri Lankan team leadership, Ragunathan Sheron Sahithyan and Sandanima Dulavindi earned bronze medals, while Upani Sithumdi Wickramarathna received a Merit Award. Charles Prathishan also represented Sri Lanka with dedication and distinction.
The Young Achievers Behind Sri Lanka’s Success
Ragunathan Sheron Sahithyan, representing St. Peter’s College, Colombo, earned a bronze medal through his impressive performance in the international competition.
Fellow Sri Lankan competitor Sandanima Dulavindi of Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo, also received a bronze medal, adding another significant international achievement to Sri Lanka’s proud record in science education.
Upani Sithumdi Wickramarathna, also from Devi Balika Vidyalaya, was recognised with a Merit Award. Upani had already demonstrated exceptional academic ability by achieving an island-level distinction in the Biological Science stream at the G.C.E. Advanced Level examination.
Charles Prathishan of St. Peter’s College completed the Sri Lankan delegation, representing the country with commitment and pride throughout the demanding competition.
The official Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad results had previously identified all four students among those eligible to continue through the international selection and training process.
A Demanding International Science Competition
The International Biology Olympiad is far more than a traditional school examination. Competitors face advanced theoretical and practical assessments designed to test their understanding of biology, laboratory abilities, analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Official IBO information explains that competitors undertake both theoretical and practical examinations covering a broad range of biological subjects. The assessments focus not only on memorised knowledge but also on biological insight and the ability to apply scientific understanding to real-life situations.
Competing successfully at this level therefore reflects years of academic commitment, personal discipline and specialised preparation.
From National Selection to the World Stage
The four students progressed through Sri Lanka’s competitive Biology Olympiad selection programme before earning the opportunity to represent the country internationally.
According to the team announcement, they rose from a national field of more than 1,200 applicants before completing further selection and intensive training.
The Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka, played a central role in coordinating the national Olympiad and identifying students capable of representing the country. The students also received academic and laboratory support through the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and the Institute of Allergology and Immunology.
The Institute of Allergology and Immunology’s preparation included theoretical and practical training in areas such as molecular biology, computational biology and statistics.
Dedicated Academic Leadership and Support
Special recognition must be given to Professor Hiran Amarasekera, Team Leader and National Coordinator, together with Dr. Heshan Kuruppu, senior academics, trainers and international jury members who guided the students throughout their preparation and participation.
The commitment of the students’ teachers, schools and families was equally important. International Olympiad success is rarely achieved through individual effort alone. It requires a strong support system that encourages curiosity, discipline, scientific thinking and perseverance.
Why This Achievement Matters to Sri Lanka
These medals and awards represent more than a competition result. They demonstrate that young Sri Lankans can perform successfully in advanced scientific environments when they receive the right opportunities, training and encouragement.
Achievements of this nature can motivate more students to pursue biology, medicine, biotechnology, environmental science, public health, research and other STEM-related careers.
They also highlight the importance of continued investment in school laboratories, teacher development, university partnerships and national programmes that discover talented students from every part of Sri Lanka.
An Achievement That Inspires a Nation
SriLankaDirectory.com warmly congratulates Ragunathan Sheron Sahithyan, Sandanima Dulavindi, Upani Sithumdi Wickramarathna and Charles Prathishan, together with their schools, teachers, families and academic mentors.
Their success has brought honour to Sri Lanka and provided an inspiring example to young people across the country and throughout the global Sri Lankan community.
SLD encourages Sri Lankan educational institutions, scientific organisations, professionals and community supporters worldwide to continue recognising and supporting the next generation of Sri Lankan scientists.
