The CIMA Spellmaster competition which not only captured the interest of the young island wide but also the older generation is now back on TV. The programme has been received with much more enthusiasm and encouragement from schools this time. Rated as the number one education programme in the island, Spellmaster rightly secured the title of "Best Education TV programme of the year" at the 2010 Asia Media Awards.

Within a period of 28 days with 48 competitions in 25 locations, the preliminary rounds of the CIMA Spellmaster came to an end last month. This time a total of 7,000 students entered the competition from all over the island; these students had to sit a dictation test where 50 words were given. When all 7000 papers were corrected, 2000 contestants were shortlisted for the Quarter-finals of the competition, which are currently under way.

The districts that really stood out from the preliminary rounds were Trincomalee and Kandy, not forgetting that Kandy produced the Spellmaster as well as the 1st runner-up at the competition last year, making them a district to beat this year.

There were many familiar faces taking part in the competition this year and two of them were within the Top 20, Archana Perera from St.Peter's College Colombo and Kushani Hettiarachchi from Tangalle Balika Vidyalaya. A contestant to watch out for this year would be Sarith Bandara's sister, who qualified from Girls' High School Kandy. In this week's quarter-final competition, competitors from the Central province will be competing for a place in the semi-finals.

The programme this year is partnered by Sirasa TV with the print media partners, the Daily Mirror and Sunday Education Times. Be sure to catch the action this Sunday on Sirasa TV at 6 pm.