Four talented Sri Lankan Biology students represented our nation at the International Biology Olympiad 2024, held from 7-14 July 2024 at Nazarbayev University, in Astana, Kazakhstan.
- Neth Wijesooriya from Ananda College, Colombo
- Methasa Wijyeyasuriya from Sirimawo Bandaranayaka Balika College, Colombo
- Gamitha Senaratna from Richmond College, Galle
- Senulya Samarawickrama from Sujatha Balika Vidyalaya, Matara
The team is accompanied by Prof. Hiran Amarasekera and Emiretus Prof. Jayantha Wijeyatatne.
This prestigious competition sees participation from 81 countries worldwide. While such events are often fully funded by governments in other nations, in Sri Lanka, the Institute of Biology of Sri Lanka supports this competition through student contributions.
The selection process was rigorous, with an initial exam conducted for about 2,000 students across the country in Tamil, Sinhala, and English. The top performers were then chosen to represent Sri Lanka on the international stage.
An interesting observation: While competitors from many countries are under 18 years old, Sri Lanka’s team stands out with the oldest students in the competition, aged 19 to 20 years.
Training Sessions for participating students
Training sessions were conducted at the molecular medicine Lab at the medical Faculty Lab and ecosphere Research Center Lab at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Zoology and Biochemistry Labs at the University of Ruhuna. We thank Science and Medical Faculty Researchers at USJ and Ruhuna. Prof Chandima Jeewandara, Dr Shshie Dayarathne, Prof. K.B. Suneetha Gunawickrama (U of Ruhuna), Prof Meththika Withanage, Prof M M Pathmalal, Prof Sagarika Ekanayake, Dr Kasun Thambugala, Dr Isuru Kariyawasam, Dr Buddhinie, Prof Dinithi Peries and other graduate students.
