The Trinity College Astronomical Society hosted Aspice Sidera ’26, its flagship astronomy event, bringing together twenty-five schools from across Sri Lanka. Following an online preliminary round held on May 23, 2026, eight finalists advanced to the overnight finale, where Nalanda College, Colombo emerged as interschool quiz champions and Government Science College, Matale won the workshop competition.
Founded in 1928, the Society is among Sri Lanka’s oldest student organisations dedicated to promoting astronomy and space science. In preparation for the main event, ASTRONEX ’26 was conducted on May 22, 2026, introducing Middle School students to the fundamentals of astronomy and encouraging an early interest in the subject.
The programme opened with a keynote address by the Chief Guest, Dr Kapila Bandara Wijayaratne, Senior Lecturer in Physics at the University of Peradeniya and a PhD graduate of the University of Virginia, USA. Through a live plasma ball demonstration, he translated complex scientific concepts into an engaging experience for the audience.
As the evening progressed, the finalists competed in three rounds of the interschool astronomy quiz, covering five areas of the subject, while the Foundation of Astronomical Studies and Exploration (FASE) Sri Lanka conducted a workshop that introduced participants to deep-space observation through practical activities.
Following an entertainment segment presented by the Trinitians, the quiz concluded with a closely contested final between Nalanda College, Colombo and Ananda College, Colombo. Nalanda College emerged as champions, while Ananda College secured first runners-up and Girls’ High School, Kandy finished as second runners-up. Government Science College, Matale claimed the title in the workshop competition.
The success of Aspice Sidera ’26 was made possible through the collective efforts of the Trinity community and the support of many individuals and organisations. The organising committee extends its sincere appreciation to the College Management, the Principal, Vice Principal and Co-Vice Principal, the Director of TCCEI, Mr Wasana Dissanayake, and the Chief Guest, Dr Kapila Bandara Wijayaratne, for their encouragement, guidance and valuable contributions to the event.
The Society also thanks the Foundation of Astronomical Studies and Exploration (FASE) Sri Lanka, the Teachers-in-Charge, Mrs Vindula Amarasinghe and Mrs Bimali Wijeratne, the academic staff, Old Boys, student volunteers, maintenance staff, the Trinity College Media Unit, the Trinity College School Officers’ Guild and all participating schools for their support, commitment and enthusiasm, which contributed to the success of Aspice Sidera ’26.
By bringing together students from across Sri Lanka to learn, compete and exchange ideas, Aspice Sidera ’26 once again reflected the Society’s commitment to nurturing curiosity and inspiring the next generation of astronomers!
Reviewed by Thivaharan Humrushan (President, Astronomical Society)
