In 2025, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) marks its 75th anniversary, commemorating a legacy of shaping the nation’s economic journey. Throughout its history, CBSL has been instrumental in maintaining price stability, safeguarding financial system stability, and fostering Sri Lanka’s economic progress. Accordingly this nation-wide art competition is held as not only a celebration of this milestone but also to  the CBSL’s outreach with its stakeholders. This initiative aims to foster stronger connections between the CBSL and the public by encouraging Sri Lankans to creatively express their perceptions of the role of the CBSL in supporting the nation’s economic progress.   

Theme

Through the theme of ‘Central Bank of Sri Lanka: Through Your Eyes’ we invite creative exploration of the impact of the CBSL on various aspects of the lives of Sri Lankans at an individual, societal and/or national level. Participants are invited to express, through art, how the CBSL has impacted their lives—whether through the maintenance of price stability, safeguarding of financial system stability, creation of opportunities through economic growth, ease of digital banking and/or payments, translation of sustainable finance initiatives into improved climate resilience and/or women empowerment, financial inclusion and financial literacy, among others. Participants may focus on one or more of these areas as they see fit.

Eligibility

The competition is open to individual Sri Lankan citizens who meet the below mentioned eligibility criteria.

• Participants may compete in either of the following two categories:
• School Students: Students currently enrolled in Grades 10, 11, 12, or 13
• Open Category: Individuals aged 18 years and above
• School students cannot take part in the competition under the Open Category.
• Employees of the CBSL and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate in the competition.
• Submissions must be made by individuals only; group entries will not be accepted.
• Each participant may submit only one entry.

A copy of the participant’s National Identity Card, Postal Identity Card, or other accepted proof of identity must be submitted along with the artwork to verify age and eligibility. 

Artwork Requirements

Accepted Art Medium
Submissions may use any of the following hand-created mediums:

• Pencil, charcoal, pen & ink
• Watercolor, acrylic, or oil paints
• Pastel or mixed media (provided it is entirely hand-drawn or hand-painted) or any other media
• Note: Digital tools, AI enhancements, or computer-generated art will not be accepted.

Size Requirements

• Artworks must be submitted on paper or canvas in A3 size only (11.7 x 16.5 inches) to ensure uniformity in exhibition preparation and framing, only artworks in this specified format will be accepted.

Artist’s Note (Narration)

• Each submission must be accompanied by a brief Artist’s Note (not exceeding 100 words) explaining the inspiration, message, or personal story behind the artwork.
• The note can be provided in Sinhala, Tamil, or English based on the participant’s preference.

Originality & Presentation

• All submissions must be 100% original and created by hand.
• Art must not be previously published, exhibited, or submitted to other competitions.
• Art must be submitted unframed; the CBSL will handle all framing and presentation for exhibition purposes of the selected entries.
• Artworks will not be returned and will remain the property of CBSL for public exhibition and archival use, with full credit to the artist.
• All artists are required to submit a signed Declaration Form confirming compliance with the competition guidelines.
• School submissions must be validated by the school principal using the certification section of the Declaration Form.

Submission Process

Participants are required to submit the original physical artwork for final judging. Submissions can be made through one of the following methods:

• Drop-off at the CBSL Head Office or any CBSL Regional Office during working hours,
• Delivery via registered post or courier to the following address.

Director,
Communications Department,
Central Bank of Sri Lanka,
No.30, Janadhipathi Mawatha, 
Colombo 01

Include:

• A signed Declaration Form
• A 100-word Artist’s Note in Sinhala, Tamil, or English
• A copy of NIC or valid ID (school submissions must be validated by the principal)

All artworks must be received on or before 25 June 2025.

Key Dates

• Competition Launch: 25 May 2025
• Submission Deadline: 25 June 2025 (Extended to 04 July 2025)
• Exhibition: August 2025 at a public venue in Colombo

Prizes & Recognition

• Winners across both categories will receive valuable gifts and certificates
• Top 75 artworks will be featured in the official anniversary exhibition
• Special recognitions will be awarded in selected themes

Downloadable Documents

Competition Guidelines – PDF 

Declaration Form – PDF 

Flyer – PDF 

Contact Information

For inquiries, contact:

Communications Department-CBSL

Email: 75art@cbsl.lk

Tel:  0112477965 / 0112477418

Follow updates via CBSL’s official social media channels