Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology hosted an innovative mathematics competition for secondary school students across three Western Province educational zones, with Ananda College emerging as overall champion.
The Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT UNI) organised SLIIT MathFest 2026 on July 10, a competition designed to challenge students beyond routine classroom mathematics. Approximately 40 schools from national, provincial, private and international sectors participated, drawing students from educational zones in Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara. The event was held at SLIIT UNI's Malabe campus.
The competition was structured in two stages to test different mathematical skills. Students first completed a 45-minute computer-based examination featuring multiple-choice and short-answer questions aligned with Ordinary Level and Advanced Level syllabuses from Sri Lankan Local, Cambridge and Edexcel curricula. The four highest-scoring teams advanced to a final Buzzer Round conducted before an audience, where speed and accuracy determined winners. Questions were presented in Sinhala, English and Tamil to accommodate diverse student populations.
Ananda College in Colombo 10 won the overall championship, with Ave Maria Convent in Negombo finishing as first runner-up. St. Joseph's College Maradana and Asian International School Colombo secured second and third runner-up positions respectively. Zone-based recognition acknowledged leading performers within Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts, with St. Joseph's College leading in Colombo, Ave Maria Convent in Gampaha, and K/Sri Sumangala College Panadura in Kalutara.
Organisers emphasised that mathematics extends beyond finding correct answers to understanding underlying principles. SLIIT UNI indicated plans to expand future editions geographically, inviting participation from schools across additional provinces and districts throughout Sri Lanka. The university aims to cultivate broader mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills among young learners.