Fostering talent and awareness through the Zero Chance school competition

This is a joint release between the Australian Government and Government of Sri Lanka

170 students representing 32 schools across 18 districts in Sri Lanka were celebrated today during a prize giving ceremony at the BMICH Colombo for the Australian Government’s Zero Chance Art and Essay 2nd competition.

Running from June to August 2024, the competition, in collaboration with Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education of Sri Lanka, saw close to 1,520 students participate in the creation of essays and artworks on the theme of illegal maritime migration to Australia – “Norawatemu Novaradimu”

Speaking on the sidelines of the award ceremony, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Mr. Paul Stephens said that the initiative has helped amplify the Australian Government’s Zero Chance message, discouraging vulnerable Sri Lankans from undertaking such journeys.

“Zero Chance strategic communication campaign is designed to inform, educate and deter people from undertaking dangerous journeys by sea. I am pleased to have the chance to review the entries in the 2024 Zero Chance Art and Essay competition and I am delighted by what I have seen. The students have done a fantastic job in expressing the theme in their own creative ways, and the level of participation it has generated across many schools is nothing short of exceptional. I thank the Ministry, school principals, and teachers for their support,” said Mr. Stephens.

The Ceremony was graced by Deputy High Commissioner Ms. Lalita Kapur.

Divided into two age groups, Years 9 to 11 and Years 12 to 13, 14 judges, nominated by the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, evaluated the entries and selected the winners.

Mr. Stephens added that it was important to note that the students did not receive any formal information on the theme prior to the creation of their submissions.

“What is particularly striking is the unanimous feedback from the judging panel. They have been thoroughly impressed by the depth of understanding, critical thinking, and knowledge displayed. Their insights were astute and original. The perspectives presented in the Zero Chance Art and Essay competition have heartened me greatly because they speak for the importance of peaceful co-existence, as well as warning vulnerable Sri Lankans about the perils of illegal migration” remarked Mr. Stephens.

Further commenting on this initiative Nalaka Kaluwewa, Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education stated “ In order to further strengthen our friendship and address this challenge, both our nations have collaborated to successfully conduct several social awareness programs, highlighting the perils of illegal migration and the threats it poses to people’s lives. This is a commendable accomplishment.”

Among these initiatives, under the theme “Attempting to journey by boat to Australia is a foolish action”, we reached school children across 15 districts and launched an essay and art competition for the first time in 2023. The winners were awarded computer course scholarships from the National Vocation Training Institute. Building on this success, the second phase in 2024 culminated in an award ceremony at BMICH on the 1st of March 2025. Along with prizes and certificates, we showcased the incredible creativity of these young minds.

All winning students were presented with certificates, jointly signed by the Australian High Commissioner & Secretary to the Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education. The winners of the competition were also awarded with scholarships for courses to further enhance their skills from the Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA).

For more information on Australia’s border protection policies, visitwww.australia.gov.au/zerochance