Shenasha Sonakshi Malalasekara is an eight-year-old student at Colombo International School in Colombo 7. She recently launched her debut book, ‘Friendship Begins,’ which is the first in her book series ‘Cydonia Intercontinental School’.
Her passion for writing was ignited by the encouragement of her parents, teachers, and friends. In addition to being an aspiring writer, she is deeply passionate about dancing and music, and actively participates in her school’s junior choir and dance club.
Shenasha is also enthusiastic about gemmology and fashion design, skills she has been learning with great interest. Her dream is to become a scientist, inspired by her love for exploration and discovery.
Additionally, Shenasha enjoys making jewellery from beads and stones. She plans to start a mini-stall to support a charity for underprivileged children’s education.
Currently, Shenasha is working on the second book of the ‘Cydonia Intercontinental School’ series, which she hopes to publish next year.
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Shenasha Sonakshi Malalasekara, and I am eight years old. I live in Colombo 7, and I attend Colombo International School which is also in Colombo 7.
I live with my mom and dad. My mom is a gemmologist, and my dad is an engineer with a degree in Industrial Statistics and Financial Mathematics from the University of Colombo.
What can you tell us about your first book?
My first book is called ‘Friendship Begins,’ and it is part of the ‘Cydonia Intercontinental School’ series. It is suitable for readers who enjoy books like Harry Potter but with a modern fairy tale twist.
It’s perfect for school students aged seven and above, as well as kids and adults learning English, since it’s written in simple English.
What is the story about?
The story is based on a special school for extraordinarily talented kids from seven continents and is about friendship.
Where and when can people buy your book?
People can buy my book at the BMICH book fair in September. It will also be available at Sarasavi bookshops islandwide.
What can you tell us about the launch of your book?
My book was launched on my eighth birthday and the first copy was presented to Dr. Siri Walt, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Who inspired and supported you in writing your book?
My school inspired me to write. My English teacher, Mrs. Romain Huber, and my class teacher, Mrs. Macklita Fernando, encouraged me a lot.
The Head of the Junior School Mrs. Tamara Perera and my Principal Mrs. Sarah Phillips always believed in kids’ creativity and gave me huge support. I plan to donate the income from my first book to a children’s trust to help improve education for kids in rural areas who lack facilities.
Who are the characters in your story based on?
The characters are inspired by real people I have met. The cover page was illustrated by taking inspiration from Artificial Intelligence (AI) versions of my real-life friends.
The mom of one of my best friends, Aardhana Hirdaramani, started a small friends’ circle called the Purple Club for us. I was inspired by this friends’ circle and wrote the story about the Silver Club friends’ circle in Cydonia Intercontinental School.
What are your other interests besides writing?
I enjoy dancing and music. I am a member of the school choir and the oriental dance club. I also do some fashion designing and jewellery designing, and I have been learning gemmology for a year.
Reading books, playing the piano and ukulele, singing, and dancing are my other hobbies.
Can you tell us more about your hobbies: gemmology and fashion design? How are you learning them?
I am learning as a student under supervision of my mom with her other students of gemmology. Gem identification is one of my hobbies.
I also love fashion designing. There is no proper institute for children my age to learn fashion designing in Colombo. So I am using some educational videos for basic theories and practicals.
What is your ambition?
My ambition is to be a scientist.
I have thought about becoming a medical doctor, but I don’t want to be one to practise medicine. I want to learn about medicine and research new medicines made from plants.
What inspired you to want to become a scientist?
My mom is the most inspiring role model for me. She is doing some research on chemical composition and stored energy in gemstones.
With research, we can find new things to make the world a better place than it is now. I would love to do some research on plants and their hidden secrets towards healing diseases.
From my childhood, I have been curious about the healing power of plants. I believe that trees have more secret healing powers.
Are you working on another book?
Yes, I am working on the second book in the ‘Cydonia Intercontinental School’ series, and I hope to publish it next year.
Do you have any tips you can share with our readers to improve their creativity in story writing?
Yes. Be brave to think differently and out of the frame. You will find something new. Always try to think from a different angle with a good attitude. That is creativity.
Read story books, and research history and how literature is built up. It always makes your inside grow and widen.
Don’t think about your age. Be mature from inside with plenty of new insights. Stay relaxed and give positive vibes to nature.