Lankan brothers shine at Southeast Asian Math Olympiad
Pavan and Praveen with their proud parents. Pic by Priyantha Wickramaarachchi
When the finals of the Southeast Asian Mathematical Olympiad (SEAMO) was held in Australia on January 18, this year, 11-year-old Praveen Athauda-arachchi was ranked 1st while his younger brother, Pavan, just eight years old was ranked 23rd globally in their respective age-groups (10-11 and 8-9 ) at the competition.
The first round was held in Sri Lanka and both brothers secured 1st place in the island among 500 candidates. Praveen managed to secure the same place (World Rank:1) at SEAMO 2019.
SEAMO is an assessment platform originating from Singapore that tests a student’s analytical and logical thinking, and problem solving skills. It is directed by Terry Chew, the author of the celebrated book series ‘Unleash the Maths Olympian in You!’. Eighteen countries took part this year in the grand finale in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.
“I feel really happy and it is the best feeling ever. There’s a lot of individual commitment and hard work put into this achievement. I feel encouraged and motivated to achieve more in my field of interest. I practised multiple mathematical questions before the competition. I worked hard till I reached my ultimate goal,” said Praveen who is determined to maintain his record once again at a global level, next year.
“I cannot wait for SEAMO 2021! I am going to work hard to achieve my unfinished goals. I am definitely going to secure 1st place, next year,” Pavan chips in.
Praveen:Keeping SL flag flying high
Their parents Dr. Pandula Athauda-arachchi and Dr. Chamalie Athauda-arachchi share an interest in many forms of science and mathematics, and Praveen and Pavan following in their footsteps intend becoming an astronaut and a doctor respectively.
Their parents are naturally thrilled with their sons’ achievements. They are both very playful, their mother says, “yet going beyond their level to achieve what they are talented in, has made us very proud parents. Most importantly bringing glory to the country. Praveen and Pavan, never failed to keep the Sri Lankan flag flying high on the stage.”
Both are students of the British School, Colombo, Praveen is a school prefect, badminton player and loves drama and music. Pavan is a member of the school’s pupil council and a football player. The school has recognised their high IQ level.
Praveen who is in Grade 6 will be sitting the Edexcel O/Level Maths examination in May this year.