D.W. Chamalka Nethmithu Kumara, the talented young artist and author from Baddegama, who was featured in The Sunday Morning Little Stars in January 2022 at the launch of his first book, has continued to achieve remarkable milestones over the past few years. 

Even at that young age, Nethmithu had already established himself as an award-winning painter. Today, his achievements have multiplied, with a collection of certificates that now exceeds 100 awards and recognitions from art competitions alone.

Currently studying in Grade 10 at Christ Church Boys’ College, Baddegama, Nethmithu said that many things had changed in his life since his first feature. 

Along with continuing his artistic journey, he has now published three books – ‘Kuda Simona’, its English translation, and his latest publication, ‘Binula’. 

Impressively, every story and illustration in these books has been created entirely by him.

One of Nethmithu’s most outstanding accomplishments has been in the ‘Sithuwili Siththam’ art competition organised by the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA). Since the competition began, he has won first place in the art category for seven consecutive years, with his latest victory coming in 2025. 

Reflecting on his achievements, he humbly opined that art competitions had become a major part of his life and growth as a young artist.

Apart from excelling in art, Nethmithu is also actively involved in extracurricular activities at school. He is a member of the school media club and regularly participates in many of its activities. 

Despite his growing success, however, he admitted that he was currently facing an important decision about his future studies. His dream is to become a professional artist, and his first choice for Advanced Level (A/L) studies is art. 

Unfortunately, his present school does not offer art as an A/L subject. Even so, he noted that he did not want to leave the school because of the tremendous support it had given him throughout his journey. For now, he deemed that there was still time to make the right decision.

Speaking about what art means to him today, Nethmithu described it as more than just a talent or hobby. He felt that art was something that would build his future. 

At the same time, he sees it as a source of peace and emotional healing. According to him, drawing is a relief for a stressed mind and acts like medicine that helps release tension and calm the heart.

Nethmithu also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the many people who had supported and encouraged him along the way. 

He especially thanked his Principal, Mr. Dhammika Priyadarshana, Deputy Principal Mr. Thushara Hapugoda, his class teacher Piyumika Teacher, Chiransi Teacher, the school art teachers, Harsha Damian Sir, Sandhuni Welgama Teacher, the school media unit and its teacher Ruchira Miss, his dhamma school and its founder, and finally his parents for always having stood beside him.

Among his most recent achievements are winning second place in the Galle District Poster Category and first place in the Galle District Art Category at Sithuwili Siththam 2025. He was also selected among the Top 10 in the Calin Baby Children’s Art Competition. 

One of the achievements closest to his heart was receiving the subject prize for art at the Annual Prize Distribution of Christ Church Boys’ College, Baddegama, in recognition of his outstanding academic achievement in 2025.

In addition, he secured second place in art at the All-Island Dhamma School Art Competition organised through the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, and won first place during National Reading Month 2025, organised by the Baddegama Pradeshiya Sabha and the Baddegama Public Library. 

He also earned second place in the Junior Secondary Category at the World Tourism Day Celebration 2025 organised by the Ruhunu Tourist Bureau of the Southern Provincial Council, and won first place at the Piyasamara – Kannangara Felicitation Ceremony 2025, organised by Wanduramba Central College, Galle.

With his passion, creativity, and determination, Chamalka Nethmithu Kumara continues to inspire many as a young artist, author, and rising talent from Baddegama.