My first performance: A dream unfolded in front of a camera

                                                           HATH PETHI MALA   

                                       { THE FLOWER WITH SEVEN COLOURS }

    There is a turning point in everyone's life that they will never forget. I have several unforgettable memories. The most special of them is my first performance. I remember that moment like today when I stepped into that magical world that I had watched on television until then.

I was studying in grade 4 at the time. I played two roles as a school child and an old man in the short story Hathpethi Mala, created by my class teacher, Devinda Gunawardena.

It's hard to describe the nervousness you feel when you step in front of a camera for the first time. A thousand thoughts ran through my mind, like "Will I forget my lines?", "Will everyone laugh if I do something wrong?" But I danced with joy despite my fear.

 There was a moment when the lights were all around me and the camera was pointed at me, and suddenly my chest tightened and the dialogue cut out.

I learned a few things from my first performance.

I experienced firsthand the self-confidence that says any fear can be overcome by facing it, the fact that a large group of people works together behind the scenes, and the patience and dedication required to make a single scene a success.

 The applause I received from the audience at the end of a production was one of the most precious gifts I have ever received in my life. It was just the beginning of my acting journey.

With that encouragement, I was able to contribute to the screenplay and play the lead role in the film Rocket, which was created by a group of school children in Sri Lanka for the first time.

 I was also fortunate enough to receive a Merit Award at the SIGNIS Tele Awards for Creative Acting.

I am very lucky to have such a valuable opportunity in my life at this age.