Sesenu Nilnethu Hirumandakini is an eight-year-old student from D.S. Senanayake Vidyalaya in Matara. 

She recently launched her debut storybook, ‘Wasanawantha Gahanu Lamaya’ (‘The Lucky Girl’), which is a collection of short stories. Not only did she write the stories but she also created the beautiful illustrations herself. 

Alongside her artistic talents, she enjoys writing poems in both Sinhala and English. Sesenu is also a chess player who participates in competitions at school and home. She draws inspiration from the many stories she has read and hopes to become a doctor one day to help people. 

Sesenu has recently won several awards in various art and poetry competitions. She is excited about her journey as a young writer and artist, and looks forward to creating more stories in the future.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I am A.H. Sesenu Nilnethu Hirumandakini, and I’m eight years old. I go to D.S. Senanayake Vidyalaya in Matara, and I’m in Grade 3 now. 

I live with my parents, grandparents, and my little sister, who is five years old. Some of my hobbies are reading, watching things, writing stories and poems, and drawing. I also love playing chess.

When did you start drawing, and what do you enjoy drawing the most?

I’ve been drawing since I started going to preschool. I really like to draw the Perahera (procession) because it has a lot of dancers, and their costumes are so nice and colourful. 

I first learnt to draw from my neighbour, Dilini Basnayaka, and I’m still learning from her.

Which medium do you prefer to use in your drawings?

I like to use crayons and pastels because they are easier for me to use. I’ve tried watercolours too, but I mostly stick to crayons since they feel simpler and more comfortable for me.

Can you tell us about your recent achievements?

I’ve participated in many competitions recently and won several awards. 

In the ‘International Cultural Competition,’ I got first place for English poem writing and second place for drawing. I also won first place in the ‘Janmashtami International Competition’ for English recitation. 

In the ‘Nelson Mandela Memorial Competition,’ I received a Merit Award for drawing. I won first place in the all-island Vesak card creations competition ‘Dhamindu Pinbara Vesak,’ and special appreciation in the ‘Rajun Se Sithamu’ Poson art competition. In the ‘Siththaru’ all-island art competition, I achieved first place as well.

Additionally, I was placed third in the ‘Prints.lk All-Island Vesak Art Competition’. In the ‘Esala Peraheray Sahitha Pelaharay’ all-island literature competition, I won second place for Sinhala poem writing and fifth place for drawing. 

I also received a Merit Award at the ‘EDEX Harmony Canvas Art Competition,’ and I came first at the divisional level of the ‘All-Island English Day Competition’ for recitation.

You seem to have a talent for writing poems as well. Can you tell us more about it?

Yes, I write poems with the help of my mother. I also learn about poems in school. I write in both Sinhala and English.

Let’s talk about your book. How long did it take to complete?

It took me around 3-4 months to complete my book. I was very happy when I finished it. My book was launched on 22 October at my school. 

This is my first book, but I hope to write more in the future. I’m already working on new stories, which I like to write when I have free time.

How do you get ideas to write your stories?

I’ve read many, many stories, and Amma has read a lot of stories to me as well. I think that helped me a lot. So, when I’m just thinking, these stories come to my mind, and that’s how I get ideas to write my own.

What’s your favourite story in your storybook?

My favourite story in my book is ‘Wasanawantha Gahanu Lamaya,’ which is also the story I chose for the title of the book. I like it the most because it has a lot of drawings with it, and they came out beautifully.

Do you play chess, and have you participated in any competitions?

Yes, I play chess both at school and at home. I have participated in some competitions as well, but I haven’t won any places yet. I’m still learning and trying my best.

What is your ambition for the future?

I want to become a doctor because I believe I can help a lot of people. It’s important to me to make a difference in others’ lives.

Do you have any advice for others who want to write stories?

I recommend reading many storybooks. If you can’t find a lot, go to the library. They have so many books. 

When you have some free time, try writing creatively and building your own story. It can be a lot of fun.

Is there anyone you would like to thank for their support?

I would like to thank my mother and father, my grandparents, and Dilini, my teacher, for their support. I also want to give special thanks to my school Principal, Ms. Manori Jayathilaka, and my class teacher. 

I appreciate Madu Communication in Akuressa; they helped me design and typeset the book. I would also like to thank the photographers, Nisala Lokumalage and Kasun Chathuranga, for their help.