At just 13 years old, Thithulu Kathya Handapangoda has brought pride to Sri Lanka by winning the title of Queen World Junior Tourism Ambassador 2025. 

She secured first place in the Under 17 Queen category at the prestigious international pageant held in Malaysia from 23–27 June. Remarkably, she is the first Sri Lankan under the age of 17 to achieve first place in an international pageant, marking a historic milestone for the country.

This week, The Sunday Morning Little Stars features Thithulu in the spotlight. 

Following are excerpts from the interview:

Could you start by introducing yourself?

I am Thithulu Kathya Handapangoda. My mother, Yuganthi Yashodara, is a journalist and radio presenter, and my father, Suranga Handapangoda, is an audio engineer and film director.

I am a 13-year-old in Grade 9 at Lyceum International School, Nugegoda. My hobbies are drama, playing the piano, dancing, and ballet. I’m also a junior scout and a sergeant in the Lyceum Junior Girls’ Cadet Platoon.

I hold the title of Queen World Junior Tourism Ambassador 2025. I achieved first place in the Under 17 Queen category at the World Junior Tourism Ambassador international pageant.

Can you tell us more about the pageant?

The pageant was held in Malaysia from 23–27 June. This was the first time a Sri Lankan under the age of 17 won first place at an international pageant. 

There were 29 contestants from 16 countries. The second place went to the Philippines and the third place to Australia.

The pageant had many segments like traditional costume, national costume, talent competition, catwalk, best speech, ball gown, best tourism video, and high-fashion costume. 

Its aim was to promote tourism, and also to help children develop qualities such as intelligence, stage presence, confidence, personality, character, and friendship.

Out of all your hobbies, which one is your favourite?

Actually, I don’t have one favourite. I’ve loved piano, drama, and ballet since Grade 2. They all have a special place in my heart.

Let’s talk about drama. How did you first get involved?

I first joined the Sinhala Drama Club in school, and now I do both Sinhala and English drama.

I have taken part in three inter-house Sinhala drama competitions and two inter-house English drama competitions. 

In 2023, during the Inter-School House Cup English Drama Competition, I was nominated for Best Actress when I was in Grade 6. I played the role of a sister in a family grieving the death of their grandmother. It was a sad character, but a very memorable role for me.

Do you notice any difference between Sinhala and English drama?

Not really. The only difference is the style, but not because of the language. When we do drama as a subject, the activities are similar. 

In Sinhala drama, we often explore folklore and creative stories, while in English drama, we lean more towards realistic themes. Both are enjoyable in different ways.

Do you plan to continue drama in the future?

Yes, but as a side passion. My main goal is to excel in the science stream and become a paediatrician. Still, I hope to pursue drama, ballet, and music alongside my career.

Ballet seems very close to your heart. How did you start?

I’ve been doing ballet since pre-grade, first in separate classes. Now I continue at the Russian Centre, where I’m in Grade 3 of their programme. I missed a couple of years because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but I still love it very much.

And dancing?

I’m mostly into traditional dancing. I treat it more as a leisure activity than a serious one, though I’ve danced in many school concerts. 

I haven’t competed, but I studied it as a subject in school until last year. Now I take it as a private class.

How about piano?

I’m currently following Trinity exams and competitions. Right now, I’m in Grade 4 piano.

You said you are also a junior scout and a cadet sergeant. How has that experience shaped you?

I’ve been in the junior cadet platoon since Grade 6. It has really helped me build discipline and endurance – even more than sports, in some ways. 

As a sergeant, my responsibility is not only to develop my own character but also to support the other members of the platoon. I check in on them, guide them, and make sure they are doing well.

Why did you choose paediatrics as your dream career?

I’ve always loved taking care of children. Even though I’m a child myself, I feel kids often don’t get the attention they deserve. 

Childhood is such an important stage for growth and health. Many children need extra medical help, and I want to be there for them.

Since your family background is in the arts, what drew you to science?

I’ve always found science interesting. There wasn’t a special reason, it just came naturally to me. 

It feels easier compared to other subjects, and I enjoy learning it. That’s why I’m determined to study it further and achieve my goal.

You have spoken a lot about helping others. Why is this so important to you?

Even as a little kid, whenever I saw someone struggling, like a beggar or a homeless person, I felt very sad. 

I couldn’t do much to help back then, and even now I can’t do it fully. But I believe helping others is the key to living a peaceful and happy life. 

What you give always comes back to you. Helping people makes me truly happy.

Is there anyone you would like to thank for your achievements?

Yes, many! 

I thank my National Director, Ms. Kanchi Ekanayaka; my trainer, Ms. Rozanne Diasz; my designers; my ballet instructor, Ms. Kavishka Premathilake; Mr. Hindol Wijeratne; Aunty Yulika; Mr. Namal Wedage; and Aunty Shammi. 

I would also like to thank the pageant’s Founder Mr. Faiz Noh and our choreographer, Mr. Shafiq Kay.

I am deeply grateful to the print, electronic, and social media for giving me so much support during the pageant.