Wageesha Yasasthi Dissanayaka is a talented 12-year-old from Anuradhapura, currently studying in Grade 7 at Niwaththakachethiya National College.
Since a young age, Wageesha has shown a passion for drawing. Under the guidance of his coach and with support from his family, he has participated in various art competitions, winning prestigious awards.
Alongside art, Wageesha practises karate and is part of his school’s karate team. He aspires to grow as an artist while pursuing his goal of becoming a software engineer.
Can you introduce yourself to the Little Stars audience by sharing a little about who you are?
My name is Wageesha Yasasthi Dissanayaka, and I’m 12 years old. I study in Grade 7 at Niwaththakachethiya National College in Anuradhapura.
I live in the Jaffna Junction area of Anuradhapura with my parents and grandfather. At home, I also have a cat and a dog, and they are a special part of my family too.
Drawing is one of my favourite hobbies. I love spending time bringing my ideas to life on paper.
Can you tell us more about your hobby and how it became such an important part of your life?
One of my biggest hobbies is drawing, but for me, it’s more than just a hobby. It’s something I truly love and feel connected to.
I started drawing when I was in nursery school, and even at that young age, I enjoyed it a lot.
I realised that I was actually good at it when I was in Grade 2. My school teachers often complimented my drawings, and that made me feel proud and encouraged to keep improving.
My parents have always supported me too, guiding me and showing me how I could make my art even better. Drawing has become a special part of who I am.
When did you start learning drawing properly?
I started learning drawing properly in 2020, when I joined an online art class conducted by K.A. Janaka Prasanna Sir.
Since then, he has been my coach and mentor, and he’s still guiding me today. His classes have helped me improve my technique and understand the finer details of art.
What kind of themes do you enjoy drawing the most?
I enjoy drawing themes related to the environment the most. Nature really inspires me, so I love creating scenes like beautiful beaches, jungles, and other natural landscapes.
What art mediums do you like to use for your drawings?
I mostly use pastel for my drawings because I love how smooth and vibrant the colours look. It’s the medium I’m most comfortable with right now. But I’m also trying to learn how to use watercolours.
When did you start participating in art competitions?
I began entering art competitions about three or four years ago.
When did you first receive recognition for your drawings?
The first time I received recognition was in 2024, when my piece was selected among the final 100 in the ‘Janashakthi Nidahas Adahas’ competition. Being chosen for that gave me a huge boost of encouragement.
Which achievement do you consider your most valuable win?
My most valuable win came in 2024 at the 55th ‘Biiku Bunka Kyokai Pental International Children’s Art Exhibition’ (ICAE), where I was awarded a Gold medal.
What is your goal in art?
My goal in art is to keep practising and improving so that I can become better and better with time.
I want to develop a unique style of my own, just like my idol, Vincent van Gogh. He inspires me a lot because of the way he uses lines and patterns in his drawings.
What is your life goal, and how are you working towards it?
My life goal is to become a software engineer, and I have already started learning the basics.
My father is a graphic designer, and he is the person who first introduced me to the world of technology and design. He teaches me the fundamentals.
Do you also explore digital art?
I’ve also done some digital art, which I enjoy a lot. My father taught me how to use programmes like Photoshop and Illustrator.
What do you prefer, hand drawing or digital art?
While I enjoy digital art, I still prefer drawing by hand because it feels more natural and comfortable for me. Sometimes, it’s a bit harder to control digital tools in the same way I use a pencil or pastel.
Do you take part in any other extracurricular activities besides art?
Yes, I also practise karate. I attend both school practices and private training sessions, and I learn under Chaminda Sensei. I’m proud to be a member of my school’s karate team, and I currently hold a blue belt.
I’m proud of winning several medals in 2024, including one Gold, three Silver, and one Bronze at the Sri Lanka Schools Junior Karate Provincial Championships organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Karate-Do Association.
I definitely want to continue this sport, because it has also become an important part of my life.
You mentioned your father earlier. Can you tell us about your mother and the role she plays in your journey?
My mother is my biggest support. She’s always there for me and helps me in everything I do.
She is the one who keeps an eye out for art competitions and other opportunities where I can show my talents. Her encouragement means a lot to me.
Is there anyone you would like to give special thanks to?
I want to give special thanks to my parents because they are the ones who motivate me every day and support me in everything I do.
I’m also very grateful to Janaka Prasanna Sir, who is my main art coach and who has guided me so much. My school art teacher Ms. Jayawathi has been a great help too.
Additionally, I want to thank Piyasena de Silva Sir, who watches out for national and international competitions and always keeps us informed about opportunities to participate in.
Wageesha’s recent achievements
Karate achievements
- Sri Lanka Schools Junior Karate Provincial Championships 2024 – Kumite: 1st place, Kata: 3rd place
- Sri Lanka Karate-Do Federation National Karate Championship 2024 – Kumite: 1st place, Kata: 3rd place
- 11th Open ISKDJ International Karate Cup 2024 – Kumite: 2nd place
- 5th Radiant Shotokan Open Karate Championship 2024 – Kata: 3rd place
- Speedway Shotokan Karate Championship 2024 – Kata: 3rd place
- Usha Karate Championship 2025 – Kumite: 3rd place, Kata: 2nd place
- 15th Best Kick Open Karate Championship 2025 – Kumite: 3rd place, Kata: 2nd place
Art achievements
- 53rd ‘International Children’s Art Exhibition 2023’ – Merit certificate
- ‘International Owl Art Contest 2025’ – Merit certificate
- ‘International Children’s Drawing Competition on Plant and Animal Life,’ Bulgaria – Merit certificate
- ‘Janashakthi Nidahas Adahas Art Competition 2024’ – Top 100 artworks
- 23rd ‘Kanagawa Biennial World Children’s Art Exhibition,’ Japan – Merit certificate
- Thriposha Ltd. ‘Siththam 2023 Art Competition’ – Merit certificate