In a stunning display of mental acuity and lightning-fast calculation, UCMAS Sri Lanka has etched its name into the annals of academic history. For the first time since the inception of the tournament, a Sri Lankan student clinched the coveted title of Grand Champion at the prestigious UCMAS International Level Competition (ILC). The historic victory [...]
While the country has been placed under lockdown, making newspaper distribution impossible, the Sunday Times team produced your favourite Sunday newspaper in digital format to bring you the latest news, feature stories and political commentaries. We are happy to announce that we are giving you free access to our digital paper. Click here to access the free epaper . If you like to be a subscriber to our regular epaper please click here .
In a stunning display of mental acuity and lightning-fast calculation, UCMAS Sri Lanka has etched its name into the annals of academic history. For the first time since the inception of the tournament, a Sri Lankan student clinched the coveted title of Grand Champion at the prestigious UCMAS International Level Competition (ILC). The historic victory took place in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Amidst the freezing temperatures of the Caucasus region, the Sri Lankan contingent brought the heat, competing against the sharpest young minds from 22 nations. While the Grand Champion title, the highest individual honour in the competition was the headline victory, it was merely the tip of the iceberg for the Sri Lankan contingent.
The 58-student squad, representing various districts across the island, delivered a performance that stunned international judges. Facing rigorous rounds that tested speed, accuracy, and mental endurance, the team secured a massive medal haul.
Beyond the Grand Champion title, the Sri Lankan tally included five champions in respective categories, 18 first runners-up title, 21 second runners-up titles and 13 third runners-up titles. In a testament to their collective strength, the team also walked away with the silver award in the highly competitive World Cup Champions category.
“The atmosphere in the hall was tense, but our students remained calm and composed under pressure,” said Shankar Vijay Sivashankar, the CEO of UCMAS Sri Lanka who was in Tbilisi for the competition.
“To see a Sri Lankan flag raised for the Grand Champion award was a moment that brought tears to the eyes of all, including the parents and instructors present.”
The students’ success is attributed to the UCMAS (Universal Concept of Mental Arithmetic System) programme. Founded in Malaysia in 1993, the programme has trained over 3.5 million children in 80 countries. Targeting children aged 5 to 13, the method uses the ancient tool of the abacus to visualise numbers. Over time, students learn to manipulate the beads mentally, allowing them to solve complex arithmetic problems faster than a calculator.
Riding the wave of this victory, officials announced a second major development; that Sri Lanka has been selected to host the UCMAS International Level Competition in 2026. This selection marks a significant diplomatic and educational milestone. In 2026, thousands of international delegates, students, and their families will descend upon Colombo, turning the island into the global capital of mental arithmetic. With the baton now passed to Colombo, the stage is set for a new chapter where Sri Lankan brilliance will not just be celebrated abroad, but showcased proudly on home soil.
Print Edition – The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka
Loading comments…