Do you like math? Is it your favourite subject or is it your worst? We all love or hate the subject don’t we! In today’s issue of Amazing Kids we will get to know three special children who have outshined all others when it comes to mathematics and, have brought glory to our motherland by winning gold medals at the South East Asian Mathematical Olympiad held in Kuala Lampur. Let’s get to know from our young friends what it’s like to be math champs!
Nureshi Ruwithma Hettiarachchi
WORLD RANK NO -01 -Gold Medalist
Q: How did it make you feel to be a math champion?
A. Becoming a Math Champion filled me with incredible pride, especially, because attaining World Rank No. 01 placed Sri Lanka at the top of the list. Overall, it made my heart feel warm and full of joy!
Q: As a young child, what made you like mathematics?
A. I did a lot of play-based math activities at home with my mother, which made math fun!
The more I learned, the more confident I became. I even created my own math problems with my mother. These fun activities made me love math from a young age.
Q: What is your favourite type of math problem?
I enjoy solving tricky problems that make me think. When I solve number patterns, it feels like cracking a secret code with numbers and letters almost like being a detective.
Q: What advice would you give to other children your age who want to improve their math skills?
A. The best advice I can give is to practise regularly. The more you practise, the better you become.
Also, try to enjoy math—if you don’t like it, it will be hard to improve. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes because that’s how you learn.
Q: When you grow up, do you want to be a Mathematician?
A. No, I want to be a Paediatrician, because I love helping kids feel better.
I want to learn all about how to take care of people and help them when they’re sick.
Also, I love becoming an Astronaut.
Q: What role have your teachers, family, and friends played in your math journey?
A. My mother is my best friend and first teacher. She introduced me to math through fun stories and puzzles.
She made sure I understood every concept in an interesting way.
For this competition, she even made me practise papers based on the syllabus, so I was well-prepared.
My father always encourages me to do my best.
My school teachers from Grades 1 to 3 were also very helpful. They made me love the subject.
Methusha Nimnad Balasooriya
Global Round gold medal winner Global rank 6
Methusha Nimnad Balasooriya, South East Asian Mathematical Olympiad Global Round gold medal winner Malaysia, Global rank 6 and island 1st in the local round.
Q: How did it make you feel to be a math champion ?
A. Well I felt very proud of myself.
It feels like starting with small changes leading up to big results.
Q: As a young child what made you like mathematics ?
A. Well I imagine mathematics is like a game.I have to find the solutions in my mind. That’s what keeps me motivated.
Q: Your favourite type of math problem ?
A. A mix of algebra and visual IQ.
Q: What advice would you give to other children your age who want to improve their math skills?
A. Never give up on your dreams. Think maths as a game and challenge yourself.
Q: When you grow up do you want to be a mathematician?
A. Yes. Definitely
Q: What role have your teachers, family and friends played in your math journey ?
A. They have helped me all along the way. They stopped me from going in the wrong direction and helped me to do the right thing.
Yasara Nethumini Dissanayake
Paper A category Gold Medal winner, world rank number 2
Q: How did it make you feel to be a math champion?
A. I was delighted. I knew I could do it.
Q: As a young child, what made you like mathematics?
A. I was always fascinated by mathematics and intended to excel in it. Mathematics is challenging, and it’s all about problem-solving.
Meeting challenges always brings me self-satisfaction and confidence.
Q: What is your favourite type of math problem?
A. I enjoy all sorts of math puzzles, but I like logic problems.
Q: What advice would you give to other children your age who want to improve their math skills?
A. Always believe in yourself, never give up, keep practising, be smart, and remember that you can do this. Trust your abilities and be determined.
Never forget that great things often start small. Be eager to learn.
Q: When you grow up, do you want to be a mathematician?
A. Of course! I want to be a great mathematician beyond question. Critical thinking brings wonders.
Q: What role have your teachers, family, and friends played in your math journey?
A. They have all contributed to this great achievement.
They encouraged and supported me a lot.
They commended me when I worked through difficult questions.
