Angel tells tales

Ruwini JAYAWARDANA

Skimming through the pages of her debut literary effort one is struck by the fact that here is a young lass who possesses immense potentialities. Six-year-old Vihangi Rajapakse had composed a book of stories and poems with illustrations titled 'Tales from an Angel' putting her on the list as the youngest author to compose a book in the literary scene. The book will be launched at the BMICH on August 24 at 5 p.m. British High Commissioner Dr. Peter Hayes and Kirsty Hayes will grace the occasion.

Vihangi is a student of Salcombe Preparatory school, London. Her skills as a writer first came to the notice of her year one class teacher, Serfontein Weltevreden. She encouraged and nurtured the talent within her pupil and taught her the basics to improving her writing. Her interest stimulated young Vihangi and she was soon drawing upon her imagination coupled with daily experiences. Her pen began speeding and stories and verses poured out of the tip added with a dose of delightful sketches.

As Vihangi puts it, "I started writing when I was in Reception. I write about my teacher, Miss. Horgan and my friend, Jessica. My teacher though it was really good and she gave me a star."

Vihangi derives most of her inspirations from activities like trips and incidents which she had witnessed. For example she had read the story of 'Noah's Ark' before writing the story 'Rakie and the Green Ship'. Though influenced by the evergreen children's tale, she had given it a new twist.

She is the eldest daughter of Sri Lankan swimming star Upeksha Silva and Dr. Ravi Rajapakse and the first grand daughter of Dayanda Silva, Sandya Silva and the late Mr. and Mrs. D.S. Rajapakse.

A bundle of talent from her tender years, Vihangi had also shown an ample amount of talent in extra curricular activities like ballet dancing, music, drama sand speech, though taking after her mother, she prefers swimming most.

She says, "I spend a lot of time with my mother and grandmother discussing my poems. They have many encouraging words to offer.

I have even read some of my work aloud to my father and grandfather. They were thrilled to see my creativity taking shape," Vihangi noted adding that her younger sister, Sandali is her biggest fan.

Recently she emerged winner at the D K World Book Day cover competition 2009 for the four to seven age group. The event was conducted by the Dorling Kindersley Book Company and her book cover even appeared on the internet which is considered as another significant achievement for the budding young writer. She also topped the list in Classical ballet exams at the Royal Academy of Dance when it was under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth II. She won the level II National Science Award and is the group prize winner at her school. She even picked up the Perform Gold Challenge with distinctions at Perform Drama and Dancing Academy in London and the year group handwriting competition this year.

An active member of the Samadi Meditation Centre of London, Vihangi takes part in the Daham Pasal classes each Sunday and takes part in all the religious activities at the temple.

She wishes to express her gratitude to her class teacher Serfontein, her head mistress Newson, her Reception teacher, Horgan, her assistant teacher Paphiti, Sra Larkow and all the other teachers of her school, friends and relatives who adviced and helped her in her success.

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