English Language and Drama Competition 2026
Purpose of the Competitions
National English Language and Drama Competitions are conducted annually at:
- School Level
- Divisional/Zonal Level
- Provincial Level
- National Level
Objectives:
- Improve English language skills among students
- Encourage island-wide participation
- Motivate students to use English confidently
- Develop critical thinking skills
- Recognize talented students and creative teachers
Types of Events
Written Events
- Handwriting (Print Script)
- Dictation
- Creative Writing
Performing Events
- Recitation
- Oratory (Prepared, Impromptu, Storytelling)
- Drama
School-Level Competition Guidelines
School competitions must:
- Include participation of all students
- Promote English in an interesting way
- Not disturb regular school work
- Avoid unnecessary expenses
- Use Standard English only
Competition Schedule
| Level | Period |
|---|---|
| School | 1 Jan – 15 March |
| Divisional/Zonal | 16 March – 31 May |
| Provincial | 1 June – 15 July |
| National | 15 Sept – 15 Nov |
Provincial results must reach the Director (English & Foreign Languages) by 15 August in prescribed Excel format. Late submissions may be rejected.
Categories by Grade
Individual Events
Available for Grades 6–13:
- Handwriting
- Dictation
- Creative Writing
- Recitation (Grades 6–11)
- Oratory (Prepared / Impromptu / Storytelling)
Drama Categories
- Junior: Grades 6–9
- Senior Dialogue: Grades 10–13
- Senior Poetic: Grades 10–13
Event-Specific Key Rules
Handwriting (Grades 6–13)
- Use ballpoint pen only (no gel pens)
- Block letters only (not joined writing)
- Time: 30 minutes
- Text length varies by grade (60–120 words)
- Must copy passage only once
- Correction fluid not allowed
- More than 3 spelling errors → entry rejected
- Marked out of 100 (countdown system)
Tie-breaker: Extra 10 marks for neatness and presentation
Dictation (Grades 6–13)
- Includes a passage + 10 extra words
- 3 readings method:
- Listen only
- Write in chunks
- Final reading for checking
- Text length: 60–110 words (based on grade)
- More than 7 spelling errors → rejected
- Marked out of 100 (countdown system)
Creative Writing (Grades 6–13)
- Based on a given storyline
- Word limits:
- Grades 6–9: 300–350 words (30 mins)
- Grades 10–11: 400–450 words (40 mins)
- Grades 12–13: 550–600 words (45 mins)
- Below or above word limit → rejected
Marking Criteria (100 marks)
- Creativity – 40
- Organization – 30
- Grammar & Spelling – 20
- Adherence to topic – 10
Recitation (Grades 6–11)
- Poems prescribed by Ministry
- Must face judges (3-meter distance)
- Quiet environment required
- More than 3 word errors → rejected
Marking (100 marks)
- Expression – 30
- Pronunciation – 20
- Clarity & Pitch – 20
- Accuracy – 10
- Posture & Eye Contact – 10
- Pace & Rhythm – 10
Oratory (Grades 6–13)
Categories:
- Prepared Speech (prescribed famous speeches)
- Impromptu Speech
- Storytelling
Prepared Speech Marking (100 marks)
- Delivery/Fluency – 30
- Pronunciation – 20
- Expression – 20
- Clarity – 10
- Posture/Eye Contact – 10
- Accuracy – 10
Important Administrative Instructions
- Strict adherence to guidelines required
- Uniform and impartial judging nationwide
- Late entries may be rejected
- Rejected entries must be marked “R” with date and signature
Overall Summary
This circular establishes:
- Updated guidelines for English Language & Drama Competitions (from 2026)
- Clear timelines from school to national level
- Detailed grading criteria for each event
- Strict marking and rejection rules
- Standardization of judging across Sri Lanka
| Circular – Tamil | Download PDF |
| Source | https://moe.gov.lk/ |
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