The Commercial Bank of Ceylon has inaugurated the latest edition of ‘Arunalu Siththam 2026,’ a vibrant initiative that encourages children to channel their creativity into artistic expression. This competition stands out as one of Sri Lanka’s most comprehensive platforms for nurturing young talent, welcoming participants from both local and international backgrounds.
With the submission period closing on September 15, 2026, this beloved competition invites children aged between 4 and 16 to showcase their artistic abilities for a chance to win a share of over Rs 4.8 million in cash prizes and certificates.
Arunalu Siththam 2026 is fully digital, providing an accessible platform for all participants. Young artists can upload their artwork to the official website, www.arunalusiththam.lk, along with the necessary information before the deadline.
This year’s themes are designed to inspire creativity and reflection among participants of all ages. Children aged 4 to 7 are encouraged to draw freely on any subject, while those aged 8 to 10 will explore the theme of ‘Gardening.’ Participants between 11 and 13 are invited to interpret ‘Child Protection,’ and the oldest group, aged 14 to 16, will engage with the topic of ‘Displaced.’
An experienced panel of judges will assess the entries, with winners from Sri Lanka first selected at the provincial level before competing nationally. The competition is committed to recognizing artistic talent and originality, encouraging children to think critically and express their thoughts meaningfully.
The rewards for participants are significant. National-level winners in the main age categories will receive cash prizes of Rs 100,000 for first place, Rs 75,000 for second, and Rs 50,000 for third. At the provincial level, the top three winners across nine provinces will be awarded Rs 25,000, Rs 15,000, and Rs 10,000, respectively. Additionally, merit certificates will be provided to those finishing fourth to tenth.
For the preschool category, the top three national winners will each receive Rs 75,000, and the leading three provincial winners will be awarded Rs 15,000 each. These prizes honor exceptional efforts at all developmental stages, highlighting emerging talent and motivating the next generation to strive for excellence.
The competition also acknowledges the vital role of educational institutions in fostering creativity. The school in each district that submits the highest number of entries will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 50,000, emphasizing the significance of institutional support in cultivating artistic potential.
In a move to include international participants, Sri Lankan children living abroad can also take part, with one winner from each age category receiving Rs 50,000 for the best entry submitted from outside the country.
The Bank has noted that all children are welcome to participate, and those who hold Commercial Bank ‘Arunalu’ or ‘Isuru’ children’s savings accounts will be eligible for exclusive additional prizes.
Since its inception in 2017 and transitioning to a virtual format in recent years, Arunalu Siththam has become one of the most anticipated and inclusive competitions for children in Sri Lanka, with over 23,000 entries received last year alone. This initiative underscores Commercial Bank’s steadfast commitment to fostering the creativity, confidence, and future potential of the youth through its flagship children’s savings product, Arunalu.
By merging artistic expression with a fully online platform that transcends geographical limitations, Arunalu Siththam 2026 continues to offer a remarkable opportunity for young Sri Lankans everywhere to share their viewpoints with the world.
Photo caption: The winners of the 2025 edition of ‘Arunalu Siththam.’
Source: Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
