Annual Sessions of the IOBSL – 2026 - Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka

“Biotechnology towards a sustainable future”

We are pleased to announce that the 46^th Annual Sessions of Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka will be held on 25^th September 2026.

Abstracts are now invited from IOBSL members under the theme “Biotechnology towards a sustainable future”. Submissions are welcome under the following four thematic tracks:

Zoology and Environment Sciences
Plant Sciences and Agriculture
Molecular Biology and Biotechnology
Microbiology and Chemical Biology

All submitted abstracts will undergo a peer preview process and will be considered for oral or poster presentations. The best presenter of each track will be recognized with the Best Presenter Award.

Registration for the Annual Sessions will be open soon

Important Dates:

Submission Deadline: 25^th June 2026
Notification of Acceptance: 1^st September 2026

For enquiries, please send an email to iobabstracts2026@gmail.com

Track Chairs:

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology:

Dr. Samawansha Tennakoon
Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit
University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Zoology and Environment Sciences:

Dr. Dilakshini Dayananda
Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit
University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Plant sciences and Agriculture:

Dr. P.K.C Buddhini
Department of Botany
University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Microbiology and Chemical Biology

Dr. Surani Ediriweera
Department of Plant Sciences
University of Colombo

Editorial Team

Prof. H. D. Dharshani Bandupriya
Department of Plant Science
University of Colombo

Dr. Rinukshi Wimalasekara
Department of Botany
University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Dr. Anushka Wickramasuriya
Department of Plant Sciences
University of Colombo

Dr. Dilakshini Dayananda
Genetics and Molecular Biology Unit
University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Dr. Vindhya Kulasena
Dept. of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, University of Colombo

Dr. P.K.C Buddhinie
Department of Botany
University of Sri Jayewardenepura

Camera Ready Template

Submission Guidelines

Declaration Forms

Declaration Forms

To submit your abstract, please click the link below.

Submit Your Abstract

About the Olympiad

1 What is the Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad (SLBO)?

The Sri Lankan Biology Olympiad is a national competition organized by the Institute of Biology, Sri Lanka, designed to identify and nurture talented students in Biology. Winners will have the opportunity to represent Sri Lanka at the International Biology Olympiad.

2 When is the SLBO 2026 examination?

The examination will be held on Sunday, 2nd August 2026 as an online examination.

Eligibility

3 Who can apply?

Students studying for the 2026 or 2027 G.C.E. A/L examinations, both local and international, can apply.

4 Is there an age limit?

There is no age limit for the local competition. However, students selected for the International Biology Olympiad must be below 20 years of age on 30th June 2027.

5 Can private candidates apply?

Yes. Private candidates are fully eligible to apply.

6 Can repeat candidates apply?

Yes. Students sitting for A/L examinations for the second or third time are also eligible to apply.

Application & Payment

7 What is the application fee?

The application fee is Rs. 1,800.00. Please note that this fee is non-refundable.

8 How should I make the payment?

Payments should be made directly to the Institute of Biology bank account:

Account Name: Institute of Biology

Account Number: 086-1-001-4-1191763

Bank: Peoples Bank, Thimbirigasyaya Branch

9 What is the application deadline?

Applications should be submitted on or before 10th July 2026.

Examination Details

10 What is the format of the examination?

The examination is conducted online and consists of 50 MCQ and True/False questions.

11 What languages are available?

Students can sit for the examination in Sinhala, Tamil, or English medium.

12 What equipment do I need?

You will need a mobile device or laptop with internet access.

13 What subject areas are covered?

The examination covers the following topics:

Chemical and Cellular Basis of Life
Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
Functioning Plant
Functioning Animal
Genetics
Environment

14 Are Units 6–10 of the A/L syllabus included?

No. Questions from Units 6–10 of the local G.C.E. A/L syllabus will not be asked.

Awards & Opportunities

15 What awards are given?

Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals will be awarded based on performance. Certificates will also be awarded to high-performing students.

16 What international opportunities are available?

Four students will be selected to represent Sri Lanka at the 38th International Biology Olympiad (IBO), to be held in Warsaw, Poland, from July 18 to July 26, 2027.

Contact

17 Who can I contact for more information?

SLBO Coordinating Centre
Department of Forestry and Environmental Science
University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda

Ms. Shanuja Elayan

071 882 8756

Mr. Charith Saranga

077 626 6971

Annual Sessions of the IOBSL – 2026