The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon (IChemC) is officially accepted by the International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) steering committee, as the official organizer to conduct the National Chemistry Olympiad competition in Sri Lanka. In 2016, the Governing Council of the IChemC formed a committee comprising of academics attached to universities and institutes to organize and conduct the National Chemistry Olympiad Competition in Sri Lanka, which thus is named as Chemistry Olympiad Sri Lanka (COSL). In 2022 steering committee decided to change the title of the national competition as Sri Lanka National Chemistry Olympiad (SLaNCO).
Sri Lanka participated in International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) as an observer in 2018 and participated in IChO competition as a team in the year 2020.
The IChemC annually organize the National Chemistry Olympiad Competition from 2017 onwards for the G.C.E. (A/L) students with the objectives of recognizing and rewarding talented Chemistry students in the country and popularizing chemistry among students.
National Chemistry Olympiad consists of two rounds.
Preliminary selection test
This will be held at 12 regional centers in January each year. The duration of the examination will be two hours and will be conducted in all three languages namely, English, Sinhalese and Tamil. The question paper will consist of multiple choice questions and structured type questions which covers the first 5 units of the local Advanced Level Chemistry syllabus (i.e. Atomic structure, Structure and bonding, Chemical calculations, Gaseous state of matter, Energetics), along with questions on basic organic Chemistry including stereochemistry.
Final theory and practical examination
Depending on the performances at the preliminary examination, the selected students will be invited to take part in the final round of the COSL. Theory and practical workshops will be conducted at the IChemC premises at Rajagiriya for the finalists prior to the final examination.
Awards and certificates
National level winners will receive medals, certificates, monetary awards, and scholarships to study GIC programme in Chemistry.
In addition, students who obtain more than 50% marks from the preliminary exam will receive certificates of commendation.
