Vihagi Kiara Kurukulasooriya is a 12-year-old student from Ave Maria Convent, Negombo, who has a deep passion for music and athletics. 

In 2024, she achieved an impressive milestone by becoming an all-island winner in singing at the ‘Sri Lanka Festival of Music, Dance, and Speech’. 

Recently, she shared her journey and experiences with The Sunday Morning Little Stars, discussing her diverse interests and how she overcame her anxiety.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Vihagi Kiara Kurukulasooriya. I am 12 years old and study in Grade 8 at Ave Maria Convent, Negombo. 

I live in Marawila with my parents, making us a family of three. As an only child, I spend a lot of time with my two dogs.

One of my dogs is Dark, a four-year-old Dachshund with black and brown fur. He always comes to play with me. 

My other dog, Oreo, is a two-year-old Shih Tzu with white and black fur. We love running together. He runs alongside me, and we both enjoy it.

My ambition is to become a doctor. 

Do you have any hobbies other than playing music?

Yes! Dancing is my main hobby. I’m also into athletics, especially the 100 m and 80 m relay events, where I have won places in competitions. Besides that, I enjoy playing badminton as well.

Is dancing just a hobby for you?

Yes, it is. I dance with my mother just for fun. It’s a great way for both of us to relax. We do freestyle dancing, just moving as we like and enjoying the moment.

How about badminton?

I play badminton with my father. It’s our special activity together.

Are you only into singing, or do you play instruments as well?

I play the piano too. I started learning it last year, and in the future, I’d love to learn the guitar.

As for singing, I actively participate in competitions. I’ve been competing since I was 10 years old. 

At the music festival, I became an all-island winner. This time, it was my first time winning, which was an incredible experience for me. I felt so proud of myself. 

I had participated in previous years too, but I used to feel anxious. It affected how well I performed. Over time, I was able to overcome my fear.

How did you overcome your anxiety?

I overcame my anxiety through constant practice and by performing in front of others. The more I practised and got used to singing in front of people, the more confident I became.

What advice would you give to a friend struggling with performance anxiety?

Like I said, practise, practise, practise! The more you do it, the easier it gets. 

When I sang at the festival this time, I imagined I was singing in front of my family, just like I always do at home. It helped me feel more comfortable. 

The fear is just in your head, and you can overcome it.

Have you participated in any other competitions?

Yes! I compete in athletics at both school and zonal levels, mainly in running events like the 80 m and 100 m races. I have received merits and first-place awards in these events. 

My most recent achievement was winning first place at the Negombo Athletic Championship 2024.

How do you balance schoolwork and other activities?

I follow a plan to manage my time effectively. Maintaining balance is important to me, and both my parents help me with my lessons and scheduling so I can focus on both academics and extracurricular activities.

Is there anything else you enjoy doing?

I enjoy teaching and believe I have a talent for it. I like helping my friends with their studies and also teaching little nangis I know. It’s something that makes me happy.

How important are these leisure activities that you do?

They’re really important to me. They help me relax and clear my mind. Dancing, for example, makes me feel happy and refreshed, which gives me the energy to carry on with everything else in my day.

Do you have any plans for the future?

Yes, I have big plans! I want to pursue a strong future in the music industry and continue to grow as an artist. In athletics, I’m targeting an all-island place to further challenge myself and achieve more.

Who are your biggest supporters?

My biggest supporters are definitely my Ammi (mother) and Thaththa (father), along with my grandparents. They’ve always been there for me, guiding me and encouraging me in everything I do.