Little Angel revives her Roots

Ruwini Jayawardana

Vihangi with her maiden book of stories and poems.  Picture by Ruwan de Silva

Vihangi presents her maiden book to President Rajapaksa

President greets Vihangi

Nurturing the gift of creativity in children and supporting their needs in the environment is a challenge. The art of tapping the creativity and potential skills of children should be practised with care. This is no small responsibility as a lot depends on the outcome. After all raising a network of masterly adults is a result of a happy childhood focused on succeeding as a human being rather than on academic excellence.

Six-year-old Vihangi Rajapakse may well be dubbed the next ‘Hans Christian Anderson ‘ of the century. The young lass embodies vivid imagination and story-telling techniques which had emerged to take shape into a book of a collection of short stories and poems titled ‘Tales from An Angel’.

Though she is schooling at Salcombe Preparatory school, London, the little wonder felt that she should launch her debut literary effort on home soil. She returned to share the joys of a country which had recently been liberated from terrorism and launch her book at a special function last year. Possessing a keen eye and sharp ear for events unfolding in her midst, the little girl took back many a tale which had taken place in the island which worked miracles to free itself from the clutches

of terrorism. All her school friends and teachers exclaimed in wonder as she told them about her ventures on home soil.

Eager to pen down her experiences she wasted no time in putting down her thoughts on some of the incidents which were close to her heart on paper.

A sentence unravelled a thousand emotions for Vihangi. Growing up in the scenic surrounds of London, basking in the love of her parents, the little girl led a fairyland existence. What set her apart from other children was the fact that she decided to detail her adventures through script and illustrations.

President Rajapaksa studies the book cover that won the D K World Book Day cover competition 2009

President Rajapaksa having a hearty conversation with Vihangi

Serfontein Weltevreden, Vihangi’s year-one class teacher noted her writing skills. The young lass was observing everything within her sight and exploring new grounds, much like a little scientist. Weltevreden took her student under her wing, teaching her basic writing skills and helping her improve her powers of imagination. She did not have to wait long for her efforts to bear fruit. Fantastic tales emerging from the depths of her imagination took shape and flowed out of her hands from ink to paper. Talking animals, magic crystal balls, dinosaurs, charming princes and princesses and a new look into real life incidents were the results of Vihangi’s hard work.

Her love for reading also nurtured her capacity to write. She pondered over the children’s stories and wondered why incidents unfolded in that particular manner.

Then out popped the result - an entirely new creation springing out of an age old children’s fable! Such an example is ‘Rakie And The Green Ship’ inspired out of ‘Noah’s Ark’.

Though she stands out for her writing skills Vihangi also shares a passion for ballet dancing, music, speech and drama.

Being the eldest daughter of Sri Lankan swimming star Upeksha Silva and Dr. Ravi Rajapakse and the first grand daughter of Dayananda Silva, Sandya Silva and the late Mr. and Mrs. D.S. Rajapakse it is no surprise that she follows in her mother’s strokes and hopes to show her colours as an ace swimmer one day.