Theertha Weeraratne is a multi-talented boy from Ananda College, Colombo 10, with many national and international achievements. 

He is bright and aspires to become an art therapist in the future to help people struggling with the challenges of life, especially those caused by rapid advances in technology.

Here are some excerpts from what Theertha shared with The Sunday Morning Little Stars.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Theertha Weeraratne. I’m 12 years old and in Grade 7 at Ananda College, Colombo 10. I live in Kadawatha with my parents and have pet fish.

My hobbies are drawing, archery, and collecting stamps. I started drawing very young and taught myself before learning art at school. I also attend private classes and do pistol shooting.

I’m a Junior Scout and a member of the Student Parliament, working with the School Development Ministry of this body and visiting other schools.

Since primary school, I’ve been a school announcer and have compered about seven school events with help from the broadcasting unit and coaches. Senior students help in training me now.

In my free time, I enjoy drawing wildlife and nature.

Since when have you been drawing?

Drawing is my favourite activity. I have been drawing since I was very small. My mother says I used to draw on even the walls at home. 

My Nursery School Principal was the first to say that I was good at drawing and colouring. She encouraged my parents to support my talent.

When I was five years old, I won first place in the Preschool category at an all-island art competition held by the Sri Lanka Medical Council. Since then, I have taken part in many art competitions and now have over 100 certificates for drawing.

What is your favourite medium to draw with?

I enjoy working with all mediums. I like trying different styles and materials when I draw.

Do you see a future in drawing?

Yes, I want to become an art therapist in the future. I’m interested in mental health, and I think art is a great way to help people express their feelings.

These days, more people are facing mental health issues. Many have become insensitive or addicted to devices, and I believe art can really help them. I also enjoy reading books and learning more about how art can support emotional well-being.

Have you written a book too?

Yes, I wrote a book during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic when I was just seven years old. I took part in the ‘Ratak Vatina Pothak’ book writing programme organised by the National Library and Documentation Services Board together with the Ministry of Education.

I created the book with my own drawings. Although it didn’t win a place at the competition, we still published the book.

Do you do any sports?

Yes, I do pistol shooting, archery, and swimming.

I started pistol shooting in the middle of last year. I’ve been doing archery since Grade 4, and it’s one of my favourite sports. I'm very excited because I’m waiting to go to Hong Kong next month to take part in an archery tournament.

I also do swimming, which I started in Grade 1.

My pistol shooting coach is Mr. Nandana Weerasinghe, who is from my school. My archery coach is Mr. Peshala Kalansooriya.

Pistol shooting sounds violent. Does it feel the same when you play?

No, it is not bad or violent at all.

Pistol shooting teaches us to stay focused and keep our mind balanced. Before we start practising, we always begin with meditation sessions. This helps me improve my attention and also helps with my schoolwork.

Do you have a message for readers?

Yes! Love and protect the environment. Try to limit your phone use and spend more time outside in nature. That’s how we learn and grow best.

Do you want to thank anyone?

Yes, I want to thank my School Principal and all the teachers at Ananda College, especially Mrs. Sureni Perera and the entire teaching staff.

I am also very grateful to my coaches, Mr. Weerasinghe and Mr. Kalansooriya, and to Ms. Shanika Withanage.

Lastly, a big thank you to my art teacher, Mr. Piyasena de Silva, for all his support and guidance.

Some of Theertha’s achievements 

• Gold award – 1st ‘FCAI International Online Children’s Art Exhibition,’ 2019 (Fondazione Child Art Italiana, Milan, Italy)
• Gold medal winner – 23rd ‘International Child Art Exhibition,’ 2021 (Kshitij International Art Foundation, India)
• 3rd place – Youth Drawing category, ‘Asia Pacific Regional Ozone2Climate Art Contest 2021-2022’ (United Nations Environment Programme and UNESCO)
• Artwork selected to represent Sri Lanka in the ‘Child Art’ magazine of the International Child Art Foundation in the US for the ‘Human Security For All’ art contest, organised by the United Nations in 2022
• 1st place – 3rd ‘SLMA Annual All-Island Art Competition for Children,’ 2018 (Sri Lanka Medical Association)
• Bronze award – ‘Toyota Dream Car Art Contest 2019’ (Toyota Lanka)
• 2nd place – ‘NSB Pata Pata Hapankam Art Competition 2019’ (National Savings Bank)
• 1st place – ‘Rebuilding My Sri Lanka After Coronavirus Art Contest 2020’ (Toyota Lanka)
• 2nd place – ‘Relationship Hope Online Art Competition 2020’ (World Mosquito Program and Ministry of Health)
• 1st place – ‘Roo Siththam Art Competition 2020’ (Fashion Bug)
• Gold medal – ‘We All Are Relatives Whole Island Child Art Competition 2020’
• 1st place – ‘Dr. C.W.W. Kannangara Commemorative Art Competition,’ 2020 and 2022
• Winner – ‘Christmas Stamp Art Competition 2020’ (Theertha’s stamp was officially issued!)
• 1st place – ‘All-Island Art Competition 2021’ (Sri Lanka Medical Council)
• 1st place – ‘Colour Flash 2021 Painting Competition’ (Institute of Chartered Professional Managers of Sri Lanka)
• 1st place – ‘World Ozone Day 2022 Drawing Competition’ (Ministry of Environment)
• 3rd place – ‘Werale Asiriya 2023’ (Turtle Conservation Project and Wijeya Newspapers)
• 1st place – Junior category, ‘World Seagrass Day Drawing Competition 2025’ (Ministry of Environment)
• 2nd Runner-up – Boys Under 12, 18 m, 7th All-Island Archery Championship, Royal International School, organised by Wayamba Archery Club
• 2nd place – Boys Under 12, 18 m, Outdoor Archery Tournament, Colombo Archery Centre  
• 2nd place – Boys Under 12, 18 m, 2nd Inter-School Archery Championship 2024, Colombo Archery Centre