Sara R Kapukotuwa of Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya, Kurunagala and Shaamali Gunawardana of Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo won merit awards at International Biology Olympiad (IBO 2013) Competition held at Bern, Switzerland from 14-21 July 2013.
![Prof Hiran Amarasekera, Prof Jayantha Wijeyaratne, Ambassador Mr. Sarath Kongahage, Sara Kapukotuwa, Melanie Senevirathna, Shaamali Gunawardena and Wasana Kodithuwakku](http://www.iobsl.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1069982_10151572479659849_1573243656_n1.jpg)
The Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad (SLBO 2012) competition to select these students was conducted in November 2012 in 6 universities around the country, namely the Universities of Colombo, Sri Jayewardeneprua, Peradeniya, Ruhuna, Jaffna and Eastern. Examination, which consisted of a two hour paper, was conducted in Sinhala, Tamil and English languages. A total of 1354 students participated this competition. Based on the results of SLBO 2012, 13 Gold, 20 Silver, 27 Bronze Medals and 35 Merit certificates were awarded.
![Melanie, Wasana, Shaamali and Sara at Opening ceremony of IBO 2013 at the Kulturcasino Bern](http://www.iobsl.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/954736_10151562048384849_1875681161_n1.jpg)
![IBO 2013, Bern, Switzerland](http://www.iobsl.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1010684_10151559468454849_1981424573_n1.jpg)
Among those medal winners, best four students were selected to participate this International Competition. P B K Sara R Kapukotuwa (Maliyadeva Balika, Kurunagala), S D Shaamali S Gunawardana (Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo), Melanie D Senevirahtne (Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo) and L Wasaba Kodithuwakku (Devi Balika Vidyalaya, Colombo) were selected to participate this international competition (IBO 2013) .
Prof Hiran Amarasekera (University of Sri Jayewardenepura) and Prof M J S Wijeyarathna (University of Kelaniya) also participated as Jury members to IBO 2013.