PRESS RELEASE: Young Artists Shine at Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Art Competition in Sri Lanka
Updated Date: 9th March, 2026
Colombo, 09 March 2026 – The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka successfully organized the Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Art Competition on 26 February 2026, bringing together young creative talents from across the country in celebration of the upcoming Asian Games 2026.
Held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute in Colombo, the competition formed part of a broader initiative to promote creativity, sports awareness and Olympic values among school children. Young participants were invited to express their imagination and understanding of the upcoming Asian Games through art.
The response from across the island was encouraging, with 122 applications submitted by children under the age of 13. Following an initial evaluation process, 50 artworks were shortlisted, and 46 young artists attended the final competition round held under the theme “National Sports and Athletes in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.”
Participants competed in two age categories: 5-9 years and 10-13 years, producing paintings and drawings during the live competition session.
Winners
Age Category: 5-9 Years
' 1st Place – Yuhasna Fernando
' 2nd Place – Suhas Dinsara
' 3rd Place – Okith Vinvida
' 4th Place – Mihini Widanarathna
'
5th Place – Saheli Jayakody
Age Category: 10-13 Years
' 1st Place – Sishenka Gunawardana
' 2nd Place – Theertha Weeraratne
' 3rd Place – Sandasi Samathka
' 4th Place – Oneli Amarathunga
'
5th Place – Losandu Fernando
The artworks were evaluated by an expert judging panel comprising Mr. Chamila Gamage, Visiting Lecturer at the University of Kelaniya; Mr. Prabath Samarasooriya, Senior Lecturer in Art and Design Education; and Ms. S. A. Anodi Udes Malsirini, Visiting Lecturer at the University of Kelaniya. The panel assessed the entries based on creativity, originality, thematic relevance and artistic presentation.
An awards ceremony was held at the Hemasiri Fernando Auditorium at Olympic House with the participation of distinguished guests including Mr. Asanka Aryachandra, Executive Board Member of NOC Sri Lanka; Mr. Lal Wickramatunge, General Manager of NOC Sri Lanka; and Mr. Asanka de Mel, Executive Director of LOVI Ceylon.
Winners received medals provided by the Asian Games Organizing Committee along with valuable gifts and achievement certificates. All participants were also presented with art gift packs, tote bags and participation certificates in recognition of their enthusiasm and creativity.
The competition highlighted the role of art and culture in promoting sport and strengthening the connection between young people and the Olympic movement, while building excitement in Sri Lanka for the upcoming Asian Games.
Through initiatives such as this, the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka continues to inspire the next generation to engage with sport, creativity and the values of friendship, excellence and respect that underpin the Olympic and Asian Games movements.
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