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Keet Malin Sugathadasa :
Treading along a tuneful path
American music composer Aaron Copland once stated that to stop the
flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and
inconceivable. Similarly Keet Malin Sugathadasa’s love for the subject
rose and was instilled in his veins as the years flew by.
The talented 16-year-old, a grade 11 student of S.Thomas’ College,
Mount Lavinia, took up music purely as a wish to please his parents but
he soon discovered that he was a natural on the subject.
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Keet receives his prize from Director, Press and Cultural
Affairs of the Embassy of the United States of America Jeffrey
Anderson. |
He recently emerged winner when he clinched a special award for
obtaining the highest distinction marks for music in theory from grade V
up to VIII in the music examination conducted by the Trinity College -
London in 2008.
He was presented with the Mr. and Mrs. S.G. Goonetileke memorial
prize, donated by Shanti Goonetilleke, by Director, Press and Cultural
Affairs of the Embassy of the United States of America Jeffrey Anderson
at the prize awarding ceremony for 2008 Examinations at Bishop’s College
auditorium, Colombo, recently.
“The examination was not difficult and by the time it was over I knew
that I had scored full marks,” beamed the energetic young lad as he
expressed his views to the Daily News.
“Around 50 students sat for the examination but none of them made it
to the highest grade.”
His interest in tunes had strummed up from the Westlife tracks that
he listened to during his tranquil moments.
His enthusiasm was sharpened by his teacher P.H.Khema who noted the
capability within her student.
Keet had passed five stages in the examination. He has three hurdles
to conquer. His brother, Leet Milan, too had taken up the examination
some years back and had completed the task up to grade IV.
Apart from music he is engaged with extra curricular activities like
swimming and badminton.
“I won third place in Art at school last year,” Keet noted adding
that he believes students should be encouraged to becoming all-rounders.
“Limiting yourself to books is unhealthy. You need diversity in your
routine and an opportunity to explore your hidden talents.”
His ambition is to serve his country to the best of his ability in
whatever profession he chooses.
He expressed his gratitude towards his class teacher, P.H. Khema, his
school and his parents, Rohitha Sugathadasa and Mallika Sugathadasa, for
their constant encouragement.
His future goal is to top the list in the upcoming G.C.E. O\L
examination.
“I believe in the fact that if you really try hard you can achieve
what your heart desires,” he said.
“I am a Thomian and I believe in the fact that we hold the strength
to be the best in whatever we pursue.”
RJ |
