The Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education has issued Circular No. 08/2026, establishing updated guidelines and operational regulations for the annual All-Island Mathematics Competition.
Organized by the Mathematics Branch of the Ministry, this directive replaces the earlier Circular No. 13/2024 and comes into immediate effect from 2026. The competition is designed to develop practical mathematical reasoning, foster collaborative problem-solving, and identify student talent for national and international olympiads.
Overview: Circular No. 08/2026
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuing Ministry | Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education |
| Circular Number | 08/2026 (Replaces Circular 13/2024) |
| Effective Year | From 2026 Onwards |
| Organizing Branch | Mathematics Branch (Ministry of Education) |
| Special Administration | Vidyayatana Pirivenas will be coordinated separately by the Pirivena Branch |
Competition Timeline & Progression
The competition will advance systematically through four primary administrative tiers:
| Stage / Round | Scheduled Timeline | Advancement Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Divisional Round | First Stage Selection | Top performers qualify for Zonal rounds |
| Zonal Round | May – June | Winners advance to Provincial representations |
| Provincial Round | June – July | Final selection of official Provincial Teams |
| All-Island National Finals | September – October | Inter-provincial championship events |
Revised Student Categories & Team Composition
Each province will field three official squads for the national finals—one team per category—irrespective of school language stream (Sinhala, Tamil, or English bilingual):
- Junior Category (Grades 6, 7, and 8):
- 6 Main Competitors: 2 students each from Grade 6, Grade 7, and Grade 8.
- Reserves: 1 nominated reserve student per grade (3 reserves total).
- Senior I Category (Grades 9, 10, and 11):
- 6 Main Competitors: 2 students each from Grade 9, Grade 10, and Grade 11.
- Reserves: 1 nominated reserve student per grade (3 reserves total).
- Senior II Category (Grades 12 and 13):
- 6 Main Competitors: 3 students each from Grade 12 and Grade 13 (must be first-attempt G.C.E. A/L students).
- Reserves: 1 nominated reserve student per grade (2 reserves total).
National Finals: Event Format
The All-Island Finals consist of four compulsory evaluated segments:
- Event 01 – Maths Trail (1 Hour): An active outdoor team assessment comprising 3 sequential tasks (15 minutes allocated per station). Available in Sinhala and Tamil mediums.
- Event 02 – Maths Puzzle (1 Hour): An analytical session where teams collaborate to solve 2 to 3 multi-layered mathematical logic puzzles.
- Event 03 – Team Contest (1 Hour): A structured group contest assessing mathematical strategy, real-time application, and problem execution.
- Event 04 – Maths Quiz (90 Minutes): A 2-round stage quiz featuring the 6 primary competitors seated in ascending grade order. Questions appear simultaneously in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. Teams are given 90 seconds per question to derive and present full working steps.
Awards, Certifications & Regulations
- Dress Code: All competing students and reserves must attend every stage in complete school uniform.
- Prizes & Medals: Medals, trophies, and formal achievement certificates will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners across all categories and event segments.
- Participation Certificates: All provincial participants, including nominated reserve members, will be awarded official Ministry certificates of participation.
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