Tenuli Okithma Navarathne is a 10-year-old student from Kadawatha. She is a talented young athlete and artist who loves learning and exploring new things. 

She has a passion for athletics, especially running, and has won several awards in sprint events. She also enjoys drawing and travelling, and is excited to start swimming as a sport. 

Tenuli’s dream is to become a pilot and travel the world, learning about different cultures and traditions.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Tenuli Okithma Navarathne. I am 10 years old and I live in Kadawatha. 

Until recently, I went to York International School, Kadawatha. I entered Lyceum International School, Gampaha this term, and I am in Grade 5.

I was an athlete at my previous school, and I was also a member of the school band. At my new school, I plan to try a few other sports while continuing athletics. The first one I really want to start is swimming.

My hobbies are drawing and travelling.

Since when have you been training in athletics?

I started training in athletics in Grade 4. In my last school, I was in Grade 6.

My main events are running races. When I get a little older, I would like to try hurdles too.

Can you tell us about your recent achievements? 

Yes! I have taken part in several athletic events recently and have been lucky to win many prizes. 

In March, I competed in the Sriyani Kulawansa Athletic Meet in the Under 11 category. I won first place in the 60 m race with a time of 9.5 seconds and also came first in the 80 m race with a time of 12.2 seconds.

Earlier, at the 2024 Negombo Athletic Championship, I was awarded the title of ‘Best Female Athlete Under 10 Years.’ I won first place in the 100 m race with a time of 15.7 seconds and also came first in the 60 m race, finishing in 9.5 seconds.

I also took part in the SA Athletics Championships in 2024, where I placed third in the 60 m race (Under 10 category) with a time of 10.3 seconds. I also ran the 40 m dash and finished with a time of 7.4 seconds.

Another proud moment for me was being awarded the ‘Under 10 Best Athlete of the Year’ title for 2023/’24 by the York International Schools Network.

What’s your next target?

My next big goal is to take part in the International Schools’ Athletics Championship (ISAC). 

I’m aiming to finish the 60 m race in 9.1 seconds to set a new record. I’m training very hard to achieve it and give my best performance.

What do you feel about your improvement in recent years?

I feel that I have improved a lot over the last two years. I have become stronger and faster. My coach, Sir Jayantha Lal, has helped me a lot with my training.

How long have you been swimming?

I haven’t trained in swimming as a sport yet, but I enjoy it. I plan to take it up as a sport and train properly at my new school.

And is drawing only a hobby?

Drawing is my hobby, but I also chose it as my aesthetic subject in school because I enjoy learning more about it. I would like to choose drawing as a subject again at my new school too.

What is your ambition?

My dream is to become a pilot one day.

Why do you want to become a pilot?

I want to become a pilot because I love travelling. I would like to visit different countries and learn about their traditions and cultures. 

Flying also feels exciting to me, and I enjoy seeing the world from above.

What is your favourite country to visit in the future?

The country I would love to visit most is the Maldives. I think it’s a beautiful place with clear blue water and lovely beaches.

Anything else that interests you?

I also like dancing, but I enjoy art even more. Drawing and creating things with colours makes me happy and helps me relax.