Aravinda Ranatunga, a former student of Asian International School, was perhaps the only Sri Lankan University Student to be invited to Barack Obama's Inauguration in Washington on January 20. One hundred and twenty people, drawn from all walks of life were invited on a totally non political basis.
Aravinda is an All American National Award winner in 2006/7 presented by John F.Kennedy for excellence in Academics. He is on the Honours Programme Committee of the Institute of Electronic and Electrical Engineers, and on the International Student council of International Law. He is a National Merit Scholar and was on the National Deans List for 4 consecutive years.
While he was in Washington, Aravinda was able to meet famous figures like Al Gore, former Vice President of the USA, and General Colin Powell former Secretary of State. He also met world famous entertainers like Jennifer Lopez and Bonjovi.
One of the most unusual celebrities he spoke to was Erik Weihenmayer, the first blind man to reach the summit of Mount Everest. "I had tears in my eyes when I heard the first African American take the Oath of Office" he said. "I will never forget that moment in my life and I thank AIS for helping me to polish my dream of success."
Before coming to AIS Aravinda was at St Joseph's College. He was a National Swimmer who performed brilliantly in Malaysia and India. He was also an exceptionally good student gaining All As at the local OL and All As at the London AL examinations. As an outstanding Mathematician he gained As in both Mathematics and Further Mathematics at the AL.
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