At a time when smartphone addiction among schoolchildren is raising growing concern, one young student from Kalawana offers a powerful story of change, resilience, and rediscovered purpose.

Across the country, many children are increasingly absorbed in mobile phones, often spending hours playing games both during and after school. Despite parents’ efforts to limit screen time, the struggle continues, sometimes with troubling consequences highlighted in media reports. Yet, in the midst of this challenge, a remarkable story has emerged from Weddagala in Kalawana North.

Dinethra Ruwani Wijesinghe, a Grade 11 student at R/Kalawana National School, has transformed her life by overcoming mobile gaming addiction and channelling her energy into writing. Today, she stands out not only as a student but also as a young author who has already written several children’s novels.

Dinethra’s journey into writing began early. She first picked up the pen in Grade 5 while studying at the Uthuru Weddagala Vidyalaya, where she wrote her first book, Sinharajaya. However, her path took a turn during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she was given a smartphone to attend online classes. What began as a learning tool soon became a source of distraction, as she developed a habit of playing mobile games.

“I couldn’t stay without the phone,” she recalls. At the time, she was in Grade 8, and like many of her peers, she found herself caught in a cycle of excessive screen use.

The turning point came when her mother raised concerns with her class teacher, Mr. Dilusha Arunasinghe. Recognizing that Dinethra was not alone, he organized counseling sessions for students struggling with similar issues. Through these programs, students were encouraged to reflect on their habits and discover their hidden talents.

For Dinethra, this guidance proved life-changing. She gradually distanced herself from mobile gaming and turned instead to books. Becoming a member of both her school and public libraries, she replaced screen time with reading—an experience she describes as deeply freeing.

With renewed focus, she returned to writing. Her dedication is evident: balancing schoolwork with early morning writing sessions, often waking at 2 or 3 a.m. to work on her stories. To date, she has written eleven books, including titles such as Wanara Holmana, Singithi Mehekariya, and Nonimi Divi Gamana. Her latest work, Dambaralle, has been published, with more manuscripts awaiting print.

Financial challenges remain a hurdle, but support from her family and well-wishers has helped her progress. Encouragingly, her work has already attracted international interest, with a company expressing willingness to translate her books into multiple languages.

Her mother, Chandika Pathmakanti, says the transformation has been remarkable. Once concerned about her daughter’s growing attachment to a mobile game, she now proudly supports her literary ambitions. Teachers and school leadership have also played a key role, offering guidance and encouragement along the way.

Mr. Arunasinghe believes Dinethra’s story reflects a broader truth. “Every child has hidden talents,” he says. “Our responsibility as educators and parents is to help them discover and develop those abilities, while guiding them away from harmful habits.”

Dinethra now looks to the future with clear ambition. She hopes to become a biologist while continuing her journey as a writer—a balance of science and creativity that reflects her determination and discipline.

In an age dominated by screens, her story is a timely reminder: with the right support and self-belief, even the most challenging habits can be transformed into meaningful achievements.

Text and Pic by Upendra Priyankara Jathungama