City Observatory

IOAS is the pioneer Astronomical institute in Sri Lanka with professional and amateur astronomers from all over the world, who are active in astronomical research, education, and outreach in astronomy.  It is one of the highly recognized astronomical organizations in the south Asian region. The mission of the IOAS is to promote astronomy in all its aspects (including research, Astronomical instrumentation projects,  communication, education, and development) through national and international cooperation. IOAS was founded in 2018, functioned under S & T Group established in 2002.

It mainly focuses on the advancement of the field of astronomy in terms of both stimulating and disseminating astronomical knowledge among youngsters, on providing the training and resources necessary to use astronomy to stimulate teaching and education from elementary to the high school level, training young astronomers at the university level, and producing the next generation of astronomers. Among the tasks of the IOAS are: promoting educational activities in astronomy; and hosting informal discussions on the possibilities for future international facilities, working to promote astronomical research, education, and public outreach, as well as using astronomy for development.

Institute of Astronomy, Sri Lanka took a giant step in astronomy. IOAS built Sri Lanka’s modern astronomical observatory. IOAS city observatory Colombo included 14” Ritchey–Chrétien telescope. We are not only limited to night sky observations. Our observatory is equipped with “Coronado SolarMax II 60mm” H Alpha solar telescope and 8” Schmidt–Cassegrain telescope equipped with 8” white light solar filter being the best facility for observing night sky as well as the sun in Sri Lanka. Our institute has the largest number of telescope owner in Sri Lanka.

Courses/ Activities

 Astronomy Certificate courses and workshops

December school for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels

Standard professional night sky observation camps, and Astronomical Workshops and Training Programmes in schools, teacher training colleges, Universities, and Institutes.

“A holiday with stars” Enthusiastic Stargazing events for guests in hotels and resorts.

“White Dwarf” Night-time Adventure activities engaged with Astronomy