The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has officially opened the doors to a new season of artistic expression with the launch of ‘Arunalu Siththam 2026.’ This island-wide and international competition, which has become a staple in the creative calendar for Sri Lankan youth, invites children aged 4 to 16 to translate their imagination into art. By leveraging a fully digital platform, the bank continues its long-standing commitment to fostering creativity, confidence, and future potential among the next generation.
Entries for the competition are currently being accepted online at www.arunalusiththam.lk, with the submission window closing on September 15, 2026.
Designed to be both inclusive and thought-provoking, the contest assigns specific themes based on age groups to encourage meaningful reflection. Children aged 4 to 7 are offered the freedom to choose their own subjects, while those aged 8 to 10 are tasked with interpreting the theme of ‘Gardening.’ Older participants are challenged with more complex societal topics: the 11 to 13 age category will focus on ‘Child Protection,’ and the 14 to 16 age group will engage with the concept of being ‘Displaced.’
The competition structure ensures a comprehensive evaluation process. Domestic entries undergo a rigorous selection process, starting at the provincial level before advancing to national competition, where they are judged by an expert panel. The rewards for excellence are substantial, with a total prize pool exceeding Rs 4.8 million.
National-level winners in the main categories stand to win up to Rs 100,000, while provincial winners and international participants are also eligible for significant cash awards. Furthermore, the bank provides special incentives for students holding ‘Arunalu’ or ‘Isuru’ savings accounts and rewards schools that demonstrate institutional support by submitting the highest number of entries per district.
Source: The Island