Yuhasna Disini Liyanage is a student from Rotary International School, Nugegoda. She dreams of becoming a doctor but also wishes to become a dancer. She has had opportunities to act in a few teledramas. She is also a swimmer and a table tennis player who is passionate about mastering French. 

Yuhansa, can you tell us more about yourself?

I am eight years old and I live in Kirulapone with my parents and my brother and sister. My brother is five years old and my sister is only three. Sometimes, it is difficult to be an elder sister because of the responsibilities. But, it is fun most of the time. 

Do you have any hobbies?

I have many hobbies. I like reading books and drawing. I don’t watch many cartoons because watching TV is not considered a good hobby. I like to do something in the garden instead. 

You said you pursue several sports.

Yes. I have been attending swimming and table tennis practices for a couple of years now. I attend private swimming training too. I like both sports very much. I am good at running too. I hope to attend athletic training in a few more years.

How did you learn to play the melodica? 

It was my school music teacher Miss Achala Pathirana who taught me how to play it. It’s something that makes me really happy. I am attending band practices too. I didn’t get selected for the school band this year because I am too young and too little. But I will be able to join them next year and I am looking forward to that day. I am the youngest in the school to attend band practices. When I become a member, I will be the youngest band member too. 

Is music your only passion?

Well, more than music, I love dancing. I currently attend training under Miss Chamali Gamage, the founder of Chamali Upuli Dancing Academy. She is also the president of the Sri Lanka Twins Foundation. I’m currently learning traditional dancing but I would also like to learn other methods.



Tell us about your acting career too. 

My first-ever production was Sudaththa Thilakasiri’s ‘Teacher Amma’ and it was a wonderful experience for me. My second teledrama was Danushka Raymond’s ‘Race’ and later, ‘Kodukarayo.’ I was also in Supun Ratnayaka’s ‘Thathparayak Denna.’ This May, the movie with my debut film experience will come out. It is Sudath Devapriya and Lakshmi Damayanthi’s ‘Kawulu Dora.’

Other than these productions, I have also had opportunities to act in documentaries and productions for YouTube channels. 

Do you get training to improve your acting skills?

Not yet. Whatever skill I have is what I have naturally.

What are your other interests?

Apart from the aesthetics, I also like learning different languages. I am currently learning English, Sinhala, Tamil, and French. My favourite among these languages is French and it is also the most difficult to practise. 

Do you have any tips on improving foreign language literacy?

Well, practice is key. Just listening to the lessons won’t make you fluent in any language. But if you keep on practising, then you will get a chance to learn about your mistakes and correct them. Also, I feel that every day we learn something new about the language. 

You said you want to become a doctor when you grow up. Is there a special reason for this?

Not really, but I know how people suffer when they are sick. I wish to help those who are suffering and help them get better. 

If you got a chance to pick a role in a movie, what kind of role would you pick?

So far, all the characters I have played have been poor and innocent. I would like to act as someone rich and pampered for a change. I would also like to play the role of a bhikkhunī. That’s a big change because I have to change my physical appearance too. 

Is there anyone you would like to thank?

I want to thank uncle Sudaththa Thilakasiri, Dayan Mahagalage, Thimira Udalamaththa, Sudath Rohana, and aunty Lakshmi Damayanthi for the opportunities on the screen. I also want to thank my school principal Dr. Renuka Rodrigo, my class teachers Priyani Weththasinghe and Atheesha Paranagama, my music teacher Achala Pathirana, and my dancing teacher Chamali Gamage. I have always been first in class and I don’t think that would be possible without the continuous help from my teachers. 

My family plays a big role in helping me, in every way possible. I also want to thank uncle Nadun Wijesinghe for all the support he has given me.