A teenager with a mission

Ashan Tharaka Liyanarachchi, a grade nine student of Isipathana College, is a remarkable child. Not only is he talented, but he is also very eager to help others and is always ready to take leadership and responsibility.

When he was in grade 5, he wrote his first book 'Idorayaka Nimava'. The Department of Examination has included a passage from his book in the Grade 5 scholarship examination paper. "I always wanted to become a writer one day.

That is why I took the initiative to write this book", says Ashan. He had received several good comments from the readers about his book, he claims. A bookworm from the time he was in Grade Three, Ashan says, Sherlock Holms and the Famous Five novels by Enid Blyton are some of his favourites.

A teacher in Mattumagala Karunaratne Buddhist College Freena Dean had helped Ashan a lot in his endeavours. She had taught him to write essays, structure a story and given him many other tips to be a good writer.

Ashan says that she encouraged him greatly to write the book. He is planning to release another book by the end of this year.

Having scored 155 marks in the Grade Five scholarship examination, Ashan, a student of Mattumagala Karunaratne Buddhist College had entered Isipathana College.

Though he is still only 13 years old, he has already taken the initiative to start a Children's Society of his own to help needy children. Already there are 250 members islandwide aged between 6-17 years. "Anyone who is willing to join this children's society, can always send an application", says Ashan.

The society holds meetings once in every three months. "We organise various activities through our society", Ashan added. Giving scholarships to needy children, conducting seminars inviting various educated people to advise the children and organising day camps are some of these activities.

Ashan has also organised an award presentation to a boy, who saved his mother's life. "After that many learnt of his brave act. If Ashan didn't do anything, he would have been yet another flower which blossomed and faded in the forest", said Ashan's father, Liyanarachchi.

The latest project of the children's society was the launching of a paper titled Bo-Sevana on January 20. While Saman Peduruarachchi, is the chief editor, the articles will be written by the members of the children's society.

Pointing out that Kirinde Wimalarathana Thera is helping him a lot in his work. Ashan added, "My teachers, parents and friends also have helped me a lot and I'm thankful for all they have done for me.

I especially like to thank my class teacher, Mrs. Chulani Lamahewa for the encouragement and help she gave me". "Children should study well, because a good education is important and will be very helpful throughout life", was his advice to children.

Janani Amarasekara