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| Sunday, 18 July 2004 |
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Woman of substance by LAKMAL WELABADA
Shanuka Kodituwakku, a final year medical student and a full time TV presenter, is one of those rare peopel, who is blessed with the twin traits of beauty and brains . Occupied full time with work and studies, it was not easy to peg her down for an interview. But the charming woman that she is, Shanuka found the time. Shanuka began her TV career on Swarnavahini where she presented a health programme. Recounting how it all begain, she says, "It was a Wednesday morning programme I had to interview Dr. Chandima Namaratne, an Anaesthetist on How to prevent children from accidents that take place at home. I had only a half day's TV exposure and a five minute briefing with the doctor before I came on live. However, I drafted a questionnaire at home, with a few points which I thought would help me at the interview," says Shanuka, who as it turned out, got through the programme with flying colours. She says did not feel nervous though it was her first exposure.. At that time she was a second year student at the Medical College. She says she has always loved her job as a TV presenter. "It was my dream. But my parents didn't like it thinking I would neglect my studies," she says explaining that until her marriage, she did not get an opportunity to step into this field. "It was my husband who recognised my talent and encouraged me. We didn't know anybody at the TV stations. It was Hema Nalin Karunaratne at Swarnavahini who wanted me to come for a face-audition test. After that I was asked to take over the presentation of the morning medical programme the very next week," she recalls. After doing the Swarnavahini programme for six months, Shanuka got the chance to present Muragala on Sirasa TV, which is also, a health programme meant for pregnant women and women with babies and infants. "I have been presenting this programme for the past ten months. I appreciate the support I get from my colleague, Dilini Sandeepika, and the rest of the crew who try their best to make'Muragala a success," she says. Shanuka had her primary education at Sirimavo Bandaranaike Balika Vidyalaya and joined Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo on a Grade 5 scholarship. She captained the school debating team from 1994 to 1997 and won four shields for the school. She was the Best Orator of the Year at the inter-school Oratory Competition organised by the Education Ministry in 1992 , and won the same title in the all island Sunday School Oratory Competition in 1990. Shanuka was a Senior Prefect at Visakha and captained Weerasooriya House in 1996. Netball, hockey and many team events were also among her extra curricular activities in school. These activities moulded her all-round personality. Debating and oratory gave her the strength to speak openly. The voice training she got by being in the school choir helped her to polish her speaking ability further. Sports and team events assisted her to accept victory and failure. The religious background she had since she was a kid, helped her to be a well-balanced person. "I studied Buddhism upto Grade 10 at Sunday School. I believe that every child should have a good religious background so that society will be blessed with people with healthy mentalities. That's the need of the hour," she says When asked how she manages the comments and criticism that person constantly in the public has face, Shanuka says she knows all about anger management. "Diverting yourself from the 'subject' that has been pressurising you is the most practical solution," she says. Commenting on her life as a medical students, she identifies Psychology as her favourite subject. "So many people in Sri Lanka live with mental disorders like depression, stress and frustration. But many don't accept that they are suffering with them as it attaches a social stigma," she explains. Shanuka's aim is to be a Psychiatrist so she could help people to overcome such mental ailments. Married to Squadron Leader Prasanna Ekanayake of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Shanuka balances her studies, her career and her role as wife remarkably well . The couple live at the Ratmalana Air Force officers' quarters. Her parents live with her. A devoted daughter, she takes care of her parents and deems it a vital aspect of her life. She loves spending time with her sister's three kids. Shanuka is also an animal lover. "I had to give away Mashie, my doggie as I have to dedicate myself to my studies. I still feel sad when I think of her," she laments. She claims that she cooks well. "Only problem is that I rarely find time to cook these days," she says adding that the final year stuff is really tough. Though it is really hectic to be a presenter and do her studies, Shanuka loves to continue as a TV presenter. "After each TV programme I feel refreshed and want to go back to my studies. My pastime really kills the stress and pressure and helps me with my studies," she says. Shanuka remembers how as a child she used to play 'doctor' to dolls belonging to her sister, friends and cousins. One time she was a physician and at another she was a surgeon performing surgery on a doll. So what advice does she have for young girls. "I believe that every girl should establish herself either educationally or socially. That gives her confidence to a successful life," she says. |
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