Kenuli Kattliya Dessa Bandaranayake, Nuvee Joanna Dessa Bandaranayake, and Heili Alexandria Dessa Bandaranayake are talented and enthusiastic sisters from Maharagama. They each have their own unique interests and aspirations, yet they share a strong bond and support each other in all their activities.

Nuvee, the eight-year-old, is in Grade 3 at Highlands College. She excels in art and athletics, loves music and dancing, and enjoys making videos. 

Kenuli, the 12-year-old, is in Grade 7 at the same school. She shines in athletics, art, cooking, and music, and aspires to become a doctor. 

Heili, the youngest at five years old, attends Mal Kekulu Preschool. She loves singing, dancing, and drawing, and dreams of becoming a beautician to help people look beautiful. 

The sisters are each other’s biggest cheerleaders and spend a lot of time together, creating a loving and supportive family environment. They are also logging their daily life on video and are hoping to launch a YouTube channel soon.

Kenuli Kattliya 

Can you tell us about yourself?

I’m Kenuli Kattliya Dessa Bandaranayake, and I am 12 years old. I’m in Grade 7 at Highlands College in Maharagama. 

I have a lot of interests and hobbies that keep me busy and happy. I love athletics and have won many awards for my achievements.

What sports do you participate in?

I participate in athletics, in events like the 100 m run, 60 m run, and 200 m relay. I’ve also received several certificates and awards, including first place in the long jump and second place in the 100 m at my school sports meet.

In both 2023 and 2024, I received a cup for first place in the long jump, a certificate for second place in the 100 m, and a certificate for third place in the 200 m relay.

What other activities do you enjoy?

I enjoy dancing, singing, art, and cooking. I also love drawing and have won first place in an art exhibition in 2021.

Can you tell us more about your achievements in art?

In 2020, I participated in an art exhibition organised by Pan Asia Bank and won first place for my drawing titled ‘My fish tank’. I received the certificate for this achievement from the late Mrs. Sybil Wettasinghe.

The next year, I won first place for a drawing titled ‘My future ambition’ at the exhibition.

What types of food do you like to cook?

I like to cook a variety of dishes, including fried rice, deviled sausage, omelettes, and curries like dhal. I also enjoy making salads and hope to learn how to make fried chicken with mashed potatoes soon.

What is your ambition?

I dream of becoming a doctor. My family members say that I have the qualities needed to be a good doctor.

How do you spend time with your sisters?

I enjoy drawing, playing, cleaning, and cooking with my sisters. They help me with dancing and singing too.

As the eldest sister, how do you help take care of your siblings?

As the elder sister, I take care of my siblings while our parents are at work. I sometimes give them small punishments, like sitting in one place for five minutes, to keep them in line. 

If they don’t listen, I call and tell our mom. Most of the time it’s the second one that works.

You learn music too.

Yes. I mostly sing with my sisters. I am also learning to play the piano and melodica, and I can play the guitar and sing songs.

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Nuvee Joanna

What can you tell us about yourself?

I’m Nuvee Joanna Dessa Bandaranayake. I’m eight years old and in Grade 3 at Highlands College in Maharagama. 

I love dancing, singing, making videos, and drawing. I also enjoy sports like athletics, running, and jumping events.

What sports do you participate in?

I participate in athletics. I came first in all these events at our sports meet, except for running, where I came second.

Have you won any other competitions?

Yes, I have. I won first place in my age category for my drawings in the same competition as my sister. I was very lucky to receive the certificate from Mrs. Sybil Wettasinghe.

You are also learning music. Do you play any instruments?

Yes, I play the guitar and melodica. I also want to learn the violin soon.

What do you like to do with your sisters?

I love playing with my sisters. We play games like school, airport, doctor, and salon.

What is your ambition?

I want to become an air hostess because I love flying on planes and travelling.

Where did you last travel with your family?

We last travelled to Trincomalee.

Who is the naughtiest out of your sisters?

Both of them are the naughtiest!

Are you naughty too?

Only sometimes.

What else do you like to do?

I like to dance, make videos about our day, and sing. We are planning to start a YouTube channel soon together. 

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Heili Alexandria

Can you tell us about yourself?

I’m Heili Alexandria Dessa Bandaranayake. I’m five years old and I go to Mal Kekulu Preschool in Maharagama. 

I love singing, dancing, and drawing. I’m excited to go to a big school like my sisters. I will be going to the same school as them next year.

What do you do in school?

In school, we write, sing, do handwork, cut paper, dance, and eat during the interval.

What do you do at home?

At home, I rest, study, and play with my sisters. We don’t watch much TV because too much TV is not good for you.

What do you want to do when you grow up?

I want to become a beautician and open a salon. I like to help people become beautiful.

Can you give us some tips to stay beautiful?

First, it’s important to brush your teeth daily to keep them clean and healthy. 

Always make sure you are clean by washing regularly and wearing clean and tidy clothes. Don’t forget to wash your hair often to keep it fresh. Applying cream helps your skin stay moisturised and soft. 

Drinking plenty of water and juice is essential for staying hydrated. Finally, eating healthy food will help you feel good and look your best.