Chehansa Chanuthi is a talented 15-year-old student from St. Joseph’s Girls’ School, Nugegoda, currently in Grade 11. As an all-rounded individual, she excels in both academics and sports.
A dedicated basketball player, she has represented her school in numerous tournaments, helping her team win the prestigious All-Island Championship in 2023. Her passion for sports extends to netball and volleyball as well.
Apart from her athletic abilities, Chehansa is also drawn to the world of acting. She started her journey in the entertainment industry with dubbing at a young age, later expanding into commercials.
With over 15 commercials under her belt, she is now looking forward to further acting opportunities after completing the Ordinary Level examination.
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is L.M. Chehansa Chanuthi, and I am 15 years old. I study at St. Joseph’s Girls’ School in Nugegoda, and I am currently in Grade 11. I am an only child, and live in Kottawa with my parents.
Sports play a big role in my life. My main sport is basketball, but I also play netball and volleyball. Besides sports, I have a passion for acting and have already appeared in commercials.
I also love reading books and am a member of the English Literature Society at school, which is something I really enjoy.
When did you start playing basketball?
I started playing basketball in Grade 3. Over the years, I have participated in all-island tournaments, gaining valuable experience and improving my skills.
In 2023, our school team became the all-island champions, and I was proud to be a part of that winning team.
What made you choose basketball over other sports?
Basketball has always been my main sport. Our school is well known for its basketball team, which naturally drew me towards it. Seeing the passion and success of our players inspired me to take it seriously and become a part of the team.
What made you continue playing basketball for so long?
I kept playing because I could see my improvement over time. As I got better, my interest in the sport grew even more, and that motivated me to keep going.
What qualities have you gained through playing basketball?
Playing basketball has taught me many important qualities. I’ve learnt resilience – how to keep pushing forward no matter what. I’ve also learnt to accept both wins and losses, understanding that both are part of the game.
Teamwork is another big lesson, as working together is key to success. Lastly, I’ve learnt to stay strong and keep going even when I’m hurt or injured.
Do you enjoy reading books as a hobby?
Yes, I love reading books. These days, my favourite is ‘Dennisge Daskam,’ a translation by Kathyana Amarasinghe. The story follows Dennis, a naughty but adventurous boy, which I find very relatable because I also love trying new things and exploring.
How did you get the opportunity to be in commercials?
When I was younger, I used to do dubbing, which helped me get noticed. In 2022, I was invited to act in commercials, and since then, I have been in more than 15.
I have also received offers to act in movies, but for now, I’m focusing on my studies. However, after my O/Level exams, I have already agreed to take part in a movie. I have also stopped dubbing to manage my time better.
How do you manage your time with studies, sports, and other activities?
Time management is all about balance. I make sure to prioritise my studies while also making time for basketball, reading, and other activities.
It’s not always easy, but with proper planning and discipline, I can manage everything without feeling overwhelmed.
What is your ambition?
My dream is to migrate to a British country one day.
I have always been passionate about fashion and design, so I want to become a costume designer. It’s something I’ve been interested in for a long time, and I would love to pursue it as a career.