Sethumlee Dilenya Dediyagala, a 12-year-old, recently launched her book ‘Angel of the Valley,’ which she both wrote and illustrated. Despite her young age, Sethumlee is already making waves in the literary world. However, her ambitions stretch beyond writing and illustrating; she aspires to become a chartered accountant. In an interview with The Sunday Morning Little Stars, Sethumlee shares her journey and aspirations.

Can you tell us about yourself?

My name is Sethumlee Dilenya Dediyagala and I’m 12 years old. I’m currently in Grade 8 at Mahinda Rajapaksha College in Matara. Matara is my hometown. I’m a bit of a chatterbox and I absolutely love manga, those cool Japanese comics. Besides school, I’m really into karate, not just for self-defence; I also compete in it as a sport. When I’m not busy with school or karate, you’ll find me drawing pictures or getting lost in the pages of my favourite manga. 

I have a little brother named Sethila Dilen Dediyagala. He is seven years younger than me and goes to Olcott Model School in Matara. My mother teaches economics at Makandura Central College and my father works as a study executive at a garment factory.

Do you enjoy writing too?

Writing is my thing. I’m really into it. Besides reading manga and doing karate, I love to write. In fact, I’m already working on my second book. It’s a fun way for me to express myself and share stories with others.

Can you tell us about the book you published?

My book is about a girl who’s an orphan. It’s actually based on a dream I had. When I first started writing it, I only had a few episodes done. I didn’t even tell my mom about it at first. 

I decided to show it to my English teacher at Makandura Central College, my old school. And guess what? She was so impressed that she told my mom about it. I was shocked, but it was also super encouraging to know that someone believed in my writing.

Did you create the drawings for your book as well?

Actually, I wasn’t sure if I could handle the illustrations for the book. My mother, being the supportive mother she is, had secretly spoken to my art teacher from my previous school. And you know what? My art teacher was thrilled to help me out! With her guidance, I started working on the drawings. 

It was a bit challenging, especially since I was using watercolours, but with her help, I managed to improve my natural talent. It was a great learning experience and I’m really proud of how the illustrations turned out in the end.

Where can someone buy your book?

You can find my book in various bookshops in Matara, as well as on Sarasavi Bookshop’s online platform. It’s also available at MD Gunasena’s Head Office.  

How long have you been drawing?

I’ve been drawing since I was just three years old. My first published drawing, which won first place in a newspaper, was back in 2017 when I was in Grade 1. Although I used to attend art classes, I eventually stopped because it wasn’t exactly what I wanted to learn. Nowadays, I’m using different apps and books to improve my skills even further.

What’s your favourite drawing medium?

I love using watercolours. They’re my favourite because I find them easy to blend and I just adore the way they flow onto the paper. There’s something magical about working with watercolours that makes creating art even more enjoyable for me.

How long have you been practising karate?

I’ve been practising karate since I was in Grade 6, so it’s been a few years now. Currently, I hold an orange belt and I’m gearing up to participate in the house meets. It’s exciting to showcase the skills I’ve been honing through my training.

What are your ambitions for the future?

Well, I have a couple of ambitions in mind. My main goal is to become a chartered accountant. I’ve always been intrigued by numbers and finances, so pursuing a career in accounting feels like the right path for me. But alongside that, I also have a passion for writing. So, part-time, I’d love to continue writing and become a published author. 

One of my cousins, who is currently in the UK working as a chartered accountant, inspired me a lot. She not only excels in her profession but also finds time to travel and share beautiful pictures with us. Seeing her success motivates me to pursue my dreams with dedication and perseverance.

What do you like about the manga art style?

I’m really drawn to manga art style for a few reasons. First off, I love the way they draw eyes in manga. They’re so expressive and captivating! And not just the eyes, but manga characters often have really beautiful features throughout their bodies. 

Plus, I'm a big fan of Japanese culture, so diving into manga feels like immersing myself in a different world. It’s fascinating to me how manga has such a rich history and how it’s evolved over time. 

Manga stories often get adapted into animated series, so you can watch them on TV like cartoons. It’s like getting to experience the story in different formats, which adds to the whole experience.

Are there people you’d like to thank for your achievements?

Firstly, my heartfelt gratitude goes out to my best friends, whose support and encouragement have meant the world to me. I also want to express my appreciation to my art teacher and English teacher from my previous school. Their guidance and mentorship have been instrumental in shaping my skills and nurturing my talents. 

And last but certainly not least, a special thanks goes to my hardworking mother, whose unwavering belief in me has been my driving force. I am immensely grateful to my English teacher Bimalsha Rasangi and my art teacher Sunethra Kandage for their invaluable support and guidance.