Ardeshi Thiranya Wathukarage is an energetic and talented eight-year-old student in Grade 3 at Viharamahadevi Balika Vidyalaya in Kiribathgoda. 

Living in Ganemulla with her family, Ardeshi is known for her bright personality and her talent for acting. She shares a close bond with her younger sister and loves to play with her.

An active participant in sports, she engages in aerobics, gymnastics, and athletics, recently competing in the 100 m and hurdles events at her school’s sports meet. 

Her extracurricular activities also include speech contests, school concerts, and Dhamma school, where she learns about good habits.

Tell me a little about yourself.

My name is Ardeshi Thiranya Wathukarage. I am eight years old and in Grade 3 at Viharamahadevi Balika Vidyalaya in Kiribathgoda. 

I live in Ganemulla with my parents, grandfather, and younger sister, Sadeshi Pahanya Wathukarage. My father is a regional manager for Elephant House and my mother used to be a teacher, but now she is a housewife. 

I love acting and dancing, and I enjoy playing with my sister and riding bicycles.

What can you tell us about your sister?

My sister is very pretty, and we play together every day. She is a very good girl, and I always enjoy spending time with her.

Where do you learn dancing?

I learn dancing mostly in school. I have been learning since Grade 1. 

I also attend Sahan Ranwala Sir’s classes and I am part of the Ranwala Balakaya. We do a lot of activities there.

In school, what’s your favourite thing to do?

I like Maths because my father teaches me how to solve maths problems at home. I enjoy it so much that I think I will study Maths even for my A/Levels.

What would you like to do when you are older?

I want to be a doctor, but I also want to be a good actress. Everyone says acting is my natural talent.

What have you acted in so far?

I acted in a documentary for the Sri Jayewardenepura Hospital directed by Prasad Samarathunga Uncle. It will be released soon. 

I also acted in a film called ‘Sihina Sarungal’ directed by Tharaka Adhikari Uncle, where I played the part of a poor schoolgirl.

What characters would you like to play in the future?

I would like to play a young Bhikkhuni and also a Vedda character.

Have you seen real Veddas?

Not really. I haven’t been to Mahiyangana yet, but we have learnt about them in school.

Do you play any sports?

Yes, I do aerobics, gymnastics, and athletics at school. This time at the sports meet, I ran the 100 metres and hurdles and won a place.

Do you have any other activities?

I participate in speech contests, school concerts, and fancy dress parades. 

I also attend Dhamma school at Batuwatta Sonuththara Daham Pasala, where we learn about Lord Buddha, good habits, and stories.

Do you have any hobbies?

I enjoy playing badminton and reading books.

Anyone you want to thank?

I want to thank Film Director Prasad Samarathunga for helping me. 

I also thank my mother and father, my school teachers, my Principal, my class teacher Disna Piyadarshani Madam, my Primary School Principal A.V. Mallika Madam, and my friends Siyansa, Tavindi, Yenara, and Sidangana for always supporting me.