Practise punctuality
Nalaka turns new leaf in his career :
Ruwini JAYAWARDANA
Some are born with a silver spoon in their mouth while others are
born to win life with determination and talent. Renowned dramatist and
media person Nalaka Swarnathilake has earned fame by making use of his
innate skills to win the public’s heart.
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Nalaka
hands over the first copy of his book to his parents |
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Nalaka
hands a copy of the book to his parents-in-law |
 The multi-talented individual launched his maiden book, Obey
Vatinakama Vadikaraganna at the National Library and Documentation
Services Board on September 4. Colombo University Dean Prof Kanishka
Hiriburegama was the chief guest. Prof Kusuma Karunaratne, Dr Praneeth
Abeysundara, DSI Chairman Nandasa Rajapaksa, principals of leading
schools in the country as well as some key figures in the scene took
part in the event to wish Nalaka well in the new leaf that he had turned
in his life. Blessed with leadership and organising skills from a young
age, Nalaka had carved a niche for himself as a multi-talented youth.
A past pupil of Kingswood College, Kandy, he had spearheaded many a
project including the art festival which ran for a week at the school.
This event became a trend and was soon picked up by other schools.
Nalaka was also able to introduce many new features to the event line-up
to create a buzz of interest among the students. He was the initiator of
the school’s Prathiba Kala society and the deputy head prefect of
Kingswood College.
His next stop was at the Kandurata radio station. Later, he was given
the opportunity to explore his media skills once he joined TNL and later
shifted to Swarnavahini. He had staged two stage dramas: Dangamalla Saha
Amuthu Iskole based on Enid Blyton’s work in 2003 and Mama Venama Malak
in 2011.
Dangamalla Saha Amuthu Iskole won accolades art the State Children’s
Drama Festival 2003. Encouraged by the audience’s response Nalaka made
two tele series for children: Dangamalla and Anne. They are still
remembered as hot favourites by the young and old.
Such a feat was never easy if he had not possessed the right attitude
and organising skills. These aspects are fundamental to life. Without
them you will stumble through life never achieving satisfaction or
success. This is his philosophy and one he strives to share through Obey
Vatinakama Vadikaraganna. Speaking at the event, Prof Hiriburegama
commended Nalaka for engaging in such a unique effort. “Nalaka has
always been someone who tries to make a difference.
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Handing a copy to chief guest Colombo
University Dean Prof Kanishka Hiriburegama
Pictures by Nissanka Wijeratne |
He built his own ladder to climb to the top in a society where
individuals scale to the peak by other’s help and later forget those who
helped them once they have achieved their target,” she said adding that
he had always presented a creation in which embodies a social message.
DSI Chairman Rajapaksa noted that there is a degradation of attitudes
among students especially in the university sector.
He said that Nalaka’s book fills a much needed void in developing the
right attitude which is required in organising small or grand scale
events. “Most people’s writing is not parallel to what they practise.
However Nalaka’s history is a fine example to relate that he is the best
person to write a book which deals with event management,” Nalaka’s
class teacher Amitha Rabbidigala revealed.
Dr Praneeth Abeysundara related that an individual’s home, school and
dahampasala setup has a hand in image building.
“This is where they learn values to carry on with their lifestyle,”
he said adding that students, teachers, principals and all those
connected with the education sector will find useful information to
mould their lifestyle in the book.
Prof Kusuma Karunaratne and several others too spoke at the event.
Obey Vatinakama Vadikaraganna is not only for planners and managers of
events but for everyone because there is no telling when exactly some
kind of event will fall on your path.
It is a Surasa book and is written in a simple language. No doubt it
will come in handy for everyone at some stage in their life.
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