Sri Lanka has earned international recognition for an impressive achievement in chemistry, with all four members of the national team securing Bronze Medals at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) 2026, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
The International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), established in 1968, is widely regarded as the leading global competition for secondary school students with a passion for chemistry. Participants are challenged to demonstrate high-level analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and laboratory competence. The 58th IChO competition brought together more than 360 of the world’s brightest secondary school students from 96 countries, testing their knowledge and skills through challenging theoretical and practical examinations in chemistry. Competing against the best young chemists from around the globe, the Sri Lankan team delivered an outstanding performance, earning international recognition for their dedication and academic excellence.
The four students who won the Bronze Medals were Senitha Senaratne (Ananda College, Colombo), Himaru Abeygunarathne (Trinity College, Kandy) Geethilihansa Dharmarathna (Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo), and Ravindu Ranatunga (Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala).
Mentors accompanied the Sri Lankan team, Dr. Upul Ranjan Kumarasinghe, University of Sri Jayewardenepura and Dr. Chinthaka Nadun Ratnaweera, University of Ruhuna, who guided and supported the students throughout the competition.
The Sri Lankan IChO team was selected through the Sri Lanka National Chemistry Olympiad (SLNChO) competition, organized by the Institute of Chemistry Ceylon. Following a competitive national selection process, the top-performing students underwent extensive advanced training in both theoretical and experimental chemistry before being chosen to represent the country at the IChO.
The four bronze medals reflect Sri Lankan students’ potential to compete successfully in international scientific competitions and inspire future generations to pursue excellence in chemistry and related disciplines. The accomplishment has been warmly welcomed by the academic community, educators, parents, and well-wishers across the nation. As these young scholars return home with international honours, they carry with them not only medals but also valuable experience that will contribute to Sri Lanka’s future scientific and technological development.
The Institute of Chemistry Ceylon, together with its Council and the College of Chemical Sciences, is gratefully acknowledged for providing the necessary facilities, including access to well-equipped laboratories, which enabled the delivery of high-quality training programs.
The team’s achievements were further strengthened by the dedication and voluntary service of their mentors, whose guidance and training played a crucial role in preparing the students for this prestigious international competition. Special appreciation is extended to Prof. Ireshika De Silva, Chairperson of the Sri Lanka Olympiad Committee, and the committee members Dr. Chinthaka Rathnaweera, Prof. Laksiri Weerasinghe, Dr. Upul R. Kumarasinghe, Dr. Kushan Weerasiri, Dr. Dilhan Manawadu, Prof. Jayagika Dahanayake, and Dr. Sashiprabha Vithanarachchi. Special appreciation is also extended to Prof. Hasini Perera, Dr. Dumindu Siriwardena, Dr. Dumindu Premachandra, Dr. Pathum Weerawarna, and Mr. Adeepa Lakshan for their invaluable support, mentorship, and guidance throughout the training process.
Sri Lanka proudly celebrates the achievements of its young chemists, whose success at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad has once again raised the national flag on the world stage.
