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Mortality Research Published: Modelling Socio-economic Differences in Australia

Sun, 17 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I’m very pleased to share that our Actuaries Institute research paper, , is now available.

The paper explores how socio-economic characteristics can be incorporated into mortality modelling in Australia. That matters because mortality assumptions are not just abstract technical inputs. They shape retirement income projections, insurance pricing, capital decisions, public policy analysis, and the way actuaries think about fairness across different communities.

Alongside the paper, we have also released the , an interactive tool for exploring projected life expectancy and annuity income under different demographic and socio-economic profiles. It is designed to make the research more usable: not only as a paper to read, but as a model to interrogate, test, and discuss.

My Contribution

This project brings together several areas I care deeply about: actuarial judgement, statistical modelling, public-interest research, and practical tools that help people understand complex risk.

I contributed to the work as part of the research team and helped develop the interactive explorer experience, including the medical explorer component. Building tools like this is the kind of actuarial work I find most meaningful: rigorous enough to support professional decision-making, but accessible enough to invite better questions from people outside the modelling process.

Why This Matters

Mortality modelling is often discussed in aggregate, but real lives are not aggregate. Socio-economic differences can affect longevity in ways that are material for retirement outcomes, product design, and policy decisions. Models that recognise those differences can help actuaries ask sharper questions about equity, sustainability, and the assumptions sitting behind financial advice and institutional decisions.

For me, this publication is a milestone because it sits at the intersection of research and application. It is also a reminder of the kind of career I want to keep building: technically strong, socially aware, and useful in practice.

You can read the paper through the Actuaries Institute and explore the interactive tool here:

Research paper:
Interactive tool:

Mentorship: A New Chapter with the Actuaries Institute

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 12:00:00 +0000

I am thrilled to share that I have been selected as a mentee for the 2026 Actuaries Institute Mentoring Program!

As an Associate (AIAA), I am looking forward to connecting with an experienced Fellow to gain broader industry insights and refine my professional goals. This program is a fantastic opportunity to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world actuarial practice.

I’ll be back in six months to write a full summary of my experience, the lessons learned, and the key takeaways from this journey.

Stay tuned for the update in September!

It's Official: I Have Graduated!

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

It’s official: I have graduated!

I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what to say for this post. For a while, I felt the pressure of the “average” timeline: the idea that you should be in and out of university in three or four years. But as I stand here today, I realise I didn’t just graduate; I built a foundation that I am immensely proud of.

It wasn’t a delay; it was a deep dive.

I’m thrilled to share that I have officially graduated from the Australian National University with the following:

Bachelor of Computing (Honours)
Bachelor of Science
Bachelor of Actuarial Studies

Beyond the three parchments, this journey was defined by the experiences between the lectures: the research internships, the tutoring, the mentorships, and the joy of founding the ANU Sri Lankan Society.

One of my proudest milestones was qualifying for my Associateship with the Actuaries Institute (AIAA) while navigating the rigors of full-time study. Over the last three years, I consistently chose to overload, pushing my limits to commit to long-term professional goals. It was the ultimate masterclass in time management, but more importantly, it was fueled by a genuine passion for learning.

This drive isn’t just academic; it spills into every aspect of my life. It’s the same curiosity that led me to start numerous projects over the years: from learning sign language to teaching myself how to bake the local Sri Lankan foods I couldn’t find nearby. I’ve realised that I don’t just want the result; I love the “how.”

As a third-generation graduate, I take immense pride in education. My path was the “scenic route,” but it taught me that the most valuable skill isn’t just knowing the answer: it’s having the resilience to find it.

The girl who enrolled in 2019 because she “needed to” has grown to love learning. I graduate today still eager, still curious, and ready for the many milestones yet to be met.

To anyone who feels like they are “behind”: Your timeline is yours to write. A huge thank you to my family, my partner, and everyone at ANU who supported this rewarding journey. On to the next chapter! 🥂

Presenting at the All Actuaries Summit 2026

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

I’m honoured to present my recent work on state-based dynamic probabilistic mortality models at the All Actuaries Summit 2026. The session will cover how national-scale health data can improve individual-level mortality forecasts and the implications for retirement planning and policymaking.

If you’d like to follow up or see the slides after the conference, please check back here or reach out via the contact links on my profile.