Little shining star in London
She laid her foundation step on the stage since she was three years.
Maynu Thathsarani Abeykoon became a talking point of Derana London Star
because she is the youngest (13) and the only British-born contestant in
the competition. Although she was born in the Britain she didn't forget
her parental roots in Sri Lanka and the passion for its culture and
arts.
Maynu is a student of Sri Saddhatissa International Buddhist Centre
in Kingsbury where she has dancing and singing performances for the New
Year celebrations. Her parents make sure she attends Daham Pasal at the
temple every weekend where she learns Sinhala and Buddhism.
|
Maynu Thathsarani Abeykoon |
Derana London Star features a load of talented singers who are
knowledgeable in Sinhala and Bhartha. Some have even studied up to
Visharda level. They all had learned music at some point of time back in
Sri Lanka. Maynu however did not have the same opportunity since she was
away from Sri Lanka almost her entire life (save the few months when she
visits Sri Lanka with her parents for the summer). She can talk and
understand Sinhala but cannot read or write Sinhala as yet. She
practices using script of Sinhala songs written in English, currently
this is the only way she can learn and practice Sinhala songs. It is a
massive challenge for her to compete with others at this level without
much knowledge of Sinhala or Sinhala music. However her passion towards
the singing and her hard work has given her the confidence to compete.
It was under her father's guidance that she started singing Sinhala
songs. At present she is training under a professional teacher,
Visharada Anusha Malwatta, on her vocal training at the weekends.
After passing the National Competitive Examination for 11+ children
with flying colours Maynu was fortunate to enter Slough Grammar School,
where she is currently studying in year eight.
Before the Grammar school, she was at Whitehall Junior School where
she won the award for the 'Most Outstanding student of the year 2008'.
Her main hobbies are singing, dancing, horse riding and taking care
of her two pet rabbits. She is delighted to explain how lucky she is to
perform her fifth round song Dothin Dothai with her two rabbits,
Cinnamon and Nutmeg. Her ambition is to become a professional in
veterinary science - a veterinary surgeon .
So far Maynu has qualified for the sixth round and the judges have
also picked her up as one of their favourite choice for the fifth round.
Her sixth round songs (one Sinhala and one Hindi) have been telecast
recently.
She is currently practising for her seventh round performance due to
be held in a boat on River Thames overlooking the city of London.
However, like all other contestants she can only get through to the next
round through SMS votes. If you think she is talented you can vote for
her by texting: DLS 138 and send to 9900.
The Derana London Star program is being telecast on Derana TV every
Wednesday at 9.30 pm. |
