Minhari Thedasna is a talented young artist who won the Silver prize at the 32nd Annual World Children’s Picture Contest, organised by the Ie-No-Hikari Association, Japan. This international achievement demonstrates her creativity and love for art from a very young age.
Along with art, Minhari is also a dedicated karate player who has won many awards at provincial, national, and international levels. She is known for her skills in ‘kata’ and ‘kumite.’
In addition, she used to play chess and achieved a district ranking while in primary school, showing her ability to balance both sports and academic activities.
Can you tell us about yourself?
My name is H.J.M. Minhari Thedasna. I am 12 years old.
I study in Grade 8 at Subharathi Mahamathya Maha Vidyalaya, Godagama. I live in Homagama, and I am an only child.
What are your hobbies?
I like karate, drawing, and sports. I participate in athletics, and play netball and kabaddi as well.
Have you been doing sports since you were young?
Yes. I started karate in Grade 1. I also played chess during the period of my Scholarship Exam, but I stopped later on. From Grade 6, I started playing kabaddi and netball as well.
You have been learning karate for a long time. Can you tell us about your achievements?
I have achieved the first level of karate black belt. I first won the provincial championship a few years ago. Then I was selected for the national championship, and I won that too. This was in the Under 8 category.
I have won many events in both ‘kata’ and ‘kumite.’ Altogether, I have over 30 medals and certificates for karate wins.
Which do you like more, ‘kata’ or ‘kumite’?
I like ‘kata’ more. I enjoy demonstrations more than fighting.
You also played chess. Can you tell us about that?
Yes. When I was in Grade 5, I achieved district rank 28 in chess. I have stopped chess for now to manage my time better.
Since when have you been doing art?
I have been drawing for as long as I can remember. My mother says I started drawing when I was only eight months old.
What kind of drawings do you like most?
I am best at drawing human figures. I am also good at drawing scenery. My favourite mediums are acrylic and pastel.
How did you learn to draw?
My father is an artist, and he teaches me. He allows me to draw what I like. My mother also draws and guides me.
You have many achievements. What are you most proud of?
I came second among participants from 68 countries in the Ie-No-Hikari 2024 competition. I got the result in 2025, and I received the email on my birthday. It was the best birthday gift ever.
What is your favourite colour?
Sky blue. I like it because I enjoy drawing the sky and the ocean.
What is your ambition?
I like science very much. I also like design and astronomy. I have not decided on one career yet.
How do you find new ideas to draw?
My house is near a paddy field. It is a very beautiful place. I spend a lot of time in nature and see many new things every day.
Finally, who would you like to thank?
First, I would like to thank my Amma and Thaththa. I also thank Teacher Piyasena De Silva, who is the designer of the Buddhist Sunday school flag. He is very generously helping children around the country to apply for international art competitions.
I also wish to thank R.S.M. Bandara Sir, the Assistant Principal of my school, and my art teachers.
I would especially like to thank Neil Sir from Sri Devamitta Maha Vidyalaya, where I studied until my Scholarship Exam. I also thank my preschool teacher, Miss Watsala Amarasinghe, who still visits me.
My karate master, Sensei Dushshantha Kumara, also deserves a big thank you!
Minhari’s prominent achievements
Art achievements
- 32nd Annual World Children’s Picture Contest (organised by the Ie-No-Hikari Association, Japan) – Silver prize
- 24th JQA International Environmental Children’s Drawing Contest (December 2024) – Merit certificate
- The Eco Canvas 2025 (an all-island art competition held at the 9th ABU Media Summit on Climate Action and Disaster Prevention) – Merit award
- Sithuvili Siththam 2025 (organised by the National Child Protection Authority) – Second place (Colombo District) in the Poster category
- Walathuwata Kodimalak 2024 (literary festival organised by the Kaduwela Municipal Council) – First place in the Intermediate category
- Japan Global Arts Scholarship 2024 – Selected among the top 250
Karate achievements
- International Gensei Ryu Karate Championship 2025 (organised by the Karate-Do Federation of Japan – Sri Lanka Branch) – Second place, ‘Kata’ (Girls 12–13 years)
- Kiai International Sri Lanka Open Karate Championship – First place, L5 Female ‘Kumite’ event
- National Karate Championship 2024 (organised by the Sri Lanka Karate-Do Federation) – Third place (Colombo District), 11 Years Female ‘Kata’ – Level 4
- National Shotokan Karate Championship 2024 (organised by the Shotokan Karate-Do Federation of Sri Lanka) – Second place, ‘Kumite’ – 11 Years Female
- Western Province Shotokan Karate Championship 2024 – Champion, L4 Female ‘Kata’
- Shotokan National Karate Championship 2023 – Champion, ‘Kumite’ event
- Sri Lanka Schools Junior Karate Provincial Championship 2023 – Best 8, Under 11 category
- Western Province Shotokan Karate Championship 2023 – Champion, ‘Kata’ event
- 13th Fumonkai International Karate Championship 2023 – First place, ‘Kumite’ event