Life style
From small boy to author: a Thomian’s oddysey
by Uditha Devapriya
“Farren the Wanderer”, written by Sachintha Pilapitiya and published by Neptune Publications, hit the shelves at the Book Fair on September 19
At S. Thomas’ Prep Kollupitiya, Sachintha Pilapitiya had trouble speaking in English. The problem hadn’t been his articulation or pronunciation; it had been his grammar. “Every time I opened my mouth,” he remembers, “I knew I’d trip somewhere.”
Ordinarily this would have discomfited someone, draining his or her confidence, preventing him or her from talking ever again. For Sachintha, though, the way forward seemed clear. “I resolved to speak no matter how many mistakes I made.” Having wound up as Head Prefect, he knew he had to brush up quickly. “I invariably had to speak at official functions, especially at the Assembly. So I’d go through the speeches I had written many times before I walked to the podium and delivered them.” For a while, he says, it worked.
But such a solution couldn’t last forever, and Sachintha knew that only too well. So when two of his friends – twins and batch mates – “introduced” him to the Prep School Library, he was thrilled. They would have been in Grade Three or Four then. “We discovered Enid Blyton: Famous Five, Secret Seven, and so on.”
From there they graduated to Hardy Boys, “though we didn’t move on to Nancy Drew.” When in Grade 10, he was indulging in Dan Brown, and when he offered English Literature for his O Levels, his tastes had considerably widened. By then he was poring over “serious” writers: Dickens, the Bronte sisters, and of course Shakespeare.
The Local O Level English Language paper lasts three hours, but can be completed in less than 30 minutes. At a term test Sachintha had written it in 10. That left well more than two hours to do anything he wanted in the classroom. So he reflected on the books he had read, the speeches he had made, and wrote down a story. The story was about an adventurer, an explorer, or as its author put it, a “wanderer.” It incorporated the genres he’d grown up on and grown up with, especially fantasy, sci-fi, and adventure. “I finished the basic structure in two hours. When I came back to it, I fleshed it out even more.”
That was years later. By then he had completed his A Levels, finished school, and entered university. Having added other characters and subplots, he felt ready to publish it. Through an uncle, Chamikara Pilapitiya, he met a publisher, and did just that.
Farren the Wanderer hit the Book Fair at the BMICH on September 19. While I have read the book, pored over its illustrations, and let it take back me back to a childhood spent dreaming of fantastic beasts, unrelenting explorers, charming princes, and beautiful princesses, I am less interested in its story, and how it will captivate young readers, than I am in its author, and how he grew up.
Sachintha Pilapitiya was born in Kelaniya in 2000. His father had found employment in the medical industry, while his mother worked in the IT Department at Brandix; after his sister was born two years later, she quit her job to look after them.
His parents fuelled his love for writing. From an early age his mother would tell him bedtime stories: of beasts, explorers, princes, and princesses. His father, a more practical and hands-down person, would take him and his sister out exploring, “from the north to the south and virtually everywhere in-between.” This soon brought him into contact with the immense diversity and richness of the land of his birth, a theme he has woven into all his written work thereafter. “My father put wanderlust in my blood. My mother, on the other hand, instilled a love for imagining things, for writing them down, in me.”
All that had been long, long before his education began. His first school, S. Thomas’ Prep, had contained a close-knit community, where, he remembers, differences of race and faith just melted away. “Even today, I can remember the names of almost everyone three years my junior there, and practically all the teachers and staff.”
A whole flurry of extra- and co-curricular activities, of sports and clubs, followed. In Grade Three he joined the school rugby team, and in Grade Eight he joined cadetting, two activities at which his father had excelled. While indulging in these, he straddled other pursuits as well: Cub Scouting until Grade Five, Badminton from Grade Six (winding up as the Captain), and the Interact Club from Grade Eight. Of these Cadetting had occupied him the most, and he climbed up to the post of Cadet Sergeant.
School concerts had also taken up his time. “I was always a girl: Goldilocks, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, you name it,” he chortles. (I tell him that he could have fared worse; after all some of us were flowers, trees, and bushes!) “I pursued Kandyan dancing and underwent an ada ves ceremony, short of a complete ves mangalya. Given my deficiency in grammar, I began attending St Theresa’s School of Speech and Drama in Kelaniya as well.
For his O Levels, Sachintha had offered English Literature. “Not that the books we did were that interesting, though they were – R. K. Narayan’s The Vendor of Sweets, plus an anthology of poems – but I personally found the stories I discovered at the library much more fascinating.” Nevertheless he came to like his subjects, and having passed them secured a placement at S. Thomas’ College Mount Lavinia.
Sachintha entered S. Thomas’ Mount in 2017. At first, he didn’t see any difference. “It was the College version of Prep, or so I thought.” Later, however, those differences came to light, especially after his parents boarded him at the College hostel. “At Prep we had been a tight and close community: everyone knew everyone else. Here, on the other hand, it was difficult to establish contact with everyone you met.” This issue had been heightened by his parents’ decision to enrol him at the hostel, “a necessity, given that otherwise I’d have to travel to and from Kelaniya every day.”
One of the most frequent themes that run through Farren the Wanderer is the importance of understanding other communities. This came to Sachintha in his hostel years, particularly due to the people he befriended there. According to Sachintha, most of them were even less equipped with English than him. That had underlined a more glaring division: not just of language, but also of class.
“Most of those in the hostel hailed from far-off places, and nearly all of them had attended S. Thomas’ Gurutalawa or Bandarawela. They were encountering English for the first time here, in Mount. The first few days at the boarding became hard to adjust to. Once I got to befriend them well, they taught me about life. In turn I taught them English. I believe, and I hope, that I succeeded, because it was my way of repaying my debt to them.”
The crowning moment of these encounters had been an Inter-House Drama Competition in 2018. Accordingly, the boarding students who belonged to Sachintha’s House – Sachintha being the House Captain – had to jump over their linguistic handicap, since they were competing against ordinary College students “all or most of whom hailed from English speaking backgrounds and could muster only broken Sinhala.” The odds were not in their favour, clearly; everything seemed to favour their competitors.
And yet, they emerged runners-up. That had shocked everyone. For a while thereafter, the feeling persisted that, somehow, the “bounders” had triumphed.
Sachintha found the experience refreshing. “It showed not only that we could prevail, but also that we could rebel against the stereotype of us being rasthiyadukarayo, which is how many ordinary students viewed those boarded at College.” Along the way, he managed to seal his friendships with them. “Even now, I know that if I call them up, they’ll be with me and by my side. They may have been demeaned as loafers, but I know that they are much, much more sincere than those who demean them.”
I feel I’ve written too much. I’ll conclude by mentioning that Sachintha offered an unusual combination for his A Levels – Combined Maths, Literature, and Economics – and topped them so well that New York University Abu Dhabi offered him a scholarship. He plans to leave the next year, in January or February, and “to carry forward my wanderlust.” He could have added, though he didn’t, that he’ll continue to write there, as he has here: while majoring in Economics and Legal Studies, he plans to minor in Creative Writing. In those two paths, no doubt, lies the key to his future.
The writer can be reached at udakdev1@gmail.com
By Zanita Careem
Dr. Ayesha Wickramasinghe, who is the champion of the National Crafts Council plays a pivotal role in promoting and developing the local handicrafts. She has served as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Moratuwa specialising in Design and Production development since 2006. With her wealth of experience, she brings extensive professional expertise in Brand Promotion and Design from Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom and the United States. An old girl from Southlands College Galle, she graduated with first class honors in fashion design and production development from the University of Moratuwa. She also , holds a postgraduate degree from London and a doctorate from the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, Sri Lanka.
Stepping away from the techdriven expectations often tied to her generation, she believed craft wasnt just art, it was life and identity. In a world of hush and rush, deadlines and competition, her journey reminds of the beauty of persistence,creativity and the simple joy of doing what we love!In this interview, Ayesha explains the trajectory of her career, her work, inspiration and her empowering story.
Your journey?
My journey is rooted in a deep appreciation for tradition, artistry, and cultural identity. Growing up in Weragoda, a village in the Galle District, I was immersed in a lifestyle shaped by community, nature, and craft. These early experiences inspired my academic and professional path—first as a designer and educator, and now as Chairperson of the National Crafts Council of Sri Lanka.
Where did your interest in craft and making come from?
My interest stems from home and heritage. My mother, a primary school teacher, introduced me to flat pattern cutting and early creative expression. Surrounded by traditional crafts and nature, I grew up observing weaving, embroidery, and natural colors—realizing that craft wasn’t just art, it was life and identity.
Can you tell us about your academic and creative background?
I began my education at St. Theresa’s Primary School, later moving to Southlands College, Galle. After excelling in Bio-Science for A/Ls, I pursued a Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design and Product Development degree at the University of Moratuwa, graduating with First Class Honours and receiving a Gold Medal. I completed Master of Arts in Fashion Technology at the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts, London and completed my doctorate (PhD) focused on the evolution of women’s clothing in Sri Lanka. As a Senior Lecturer, my work blends fashion, textile, crafts, heritage, culture, and sustainability.
Your career as an artist?
Though I identify more as a researcher and creative practitioner, art has always shaped my work. Childhood memories of weaving tools from my grandmother’s old handloom center, along with a fascination for color in nature, designing, sculpting and paintings, fueled my artistic exploration. My projects bridge design and heritage, often reviving traditional techniques through a contemporary lens.
Your work with the Crafts Council of Sri Lanka?
As Chairperson of the National Crafts Council (NCC), I help lead efforts to preserve and promote Sri Lanka’s craft heritage while supporting over 20,000 artisans. From craft village development to initiatives like Shilpa Abhimani, the craftsmen training programmes, market access, and connecting crafts with tourism and younger generations.
What are your thoughts on the significance of crafts, heritage, and culture?
Craft is the soul of a nation—it links hands, minds, and hearts. It teaches patience, creativity, and cultural identity. Our heritage is rich with around over 30 craft traditions, and integrating craft education can instill pride and resilience in today’s fast-paced world.
Are we doing enough as a country to preserve our culture and heritage?
While commendable efforts are underway, there’s more to be done. Preservation must be embedded in education, policy, and public mindset. True change comes when people value their own culture and products—embracing what the world now calls “hyper-localism.”
Can traditional crafts find their niche in modern interiors?
Absolutely. Traditional crafts bring warmth, character, and authenticity to contemporary spaces. If artisans understand current market trends and adapt their presentation, these crafts can thrive in modern design contexts undoubtedly.
How can we create deeper awareness and appreciation of crafts?
Storytelling and education are key. People need to understand the time, skill, and meaning behind handmade work. Platforms like exhibitions, documentaries, media and school programs can help build this appreciation and pride in our own heritage.
Thoughts on national funding for art?
National funding is essential and should be seen as an investment in cultural and economic sustainability. Strategic public-private partnerships can support artisans, drive innovation, and promote cultural tourism to boost the national economy.
What are the key challenges facing artisans today?
Artisans face raw material shortages, policies, limited market access, undervaluation of their work, and weak generational continuity. Economic instability often discourages youth from joining the sector and lack of research and development initiatives for craft sector is crucial. These challenges need integrated solutions.
Where do you see the Sri Lankan craft industry heading?
With the right support, Sri Lankan crafts are poised for a revival. As global demand grows for sustainability and authenticity, our heritage can shine—offering rich stories and concepts, sustainable raw material and packaging, skilled and high-quality artistry, and cultural depth to the world.
As the joyous rhythms of Sinhala and Tamil rang though the island, Ramani Fernando Salon at Mount Lavinia celebrated this day with a season of warmth, togetherness and gaety.
The staff at Ramani Fernando Salon representing the true spirit of Sri Lankan traditons followed by religious observances came together to celebrate this auspicious occasion.Today the Avurudu at the salon is remarkable and exciting day for all of us” remaked Niroshan, supervisor of Ramani Salon, Mount Lavinia.
“We followed the ritual of boiling milk in a new clay pot symbolising new beginnings. All our members celebrated avurudu in traditional attire in vibrant colours adding to the festive atmosphere ’’ he said. Kiribath and sweets were followed made by staff themselves.
Jetwing Hotels has unveiled a readjustment of its branding strategy, signalling a bold step forward in aligning its offerings with the evolving trends of modern travel. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to addressing the diverse needs and preferences of today’s travellers while reinforcing its position as a leader in Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector.
Recognising the shifting dynamics of the travel industry, Jetwing Hotels is transitioning from its previous categorization of “Hotels” and “Villas” to a refreshed and more defined portfolio structure. The properties will now be grouped into four distinct segments: Jetwing Luxury Reserves, Jetwing Premium Hotels, Select Hotels, and Essentials. This strategic move aims to provide guests with a clearer, more intuitive understanding of the brand’s offerings, catering to a wide spectrum of travellers—from the budget-conscious to those seeking truly extraordinary escapes.
The first of the newly defined segments, Jetwing Luxury Reserves, represents the epitome of indulgence, crafted for discerning travellers seeking unparalleled exclusivity and personalised experiences. This segment features 5-star, flagship properties, each offering a harmonious blend of distinct architecture in stunning locations, gourmet dining experiences, and bespoke service that anticipates every need. Designed to provide not just stays but unforgettable journeys, Jetwing Luxury Reserves promises intimate sanctuaries where luxury meets authenticity.
The second category, Jetwing Premium hotels, is a collection of elegant spaces where contemporary comfort meets Sri Lanka’s rich heritage. This category includes a selection of 4-star and 5-star properties, each offering full-service accommodation and modern amenities. For those in search of a peaceful retreat or a place to reconnect, each stay is designed with refinement, warmth, and a touch of timeless charm. Rooted in the legacy of Jetwing, these hotels go beyond a place to stay—they deliver immersive experiences shaped by regionally inspired architecture and the hallmark of legendary Sri Lankan hospitality along with a variety of activities and excursions.
The third category, Select Hotels, bridges the gap between value and comfort, designed for modern travellers seeking authentic experiences at an accessible price point. Though these properties do not carry the Jetwing brand name, they embody its renowned warmth and hospitality. This collection of unique 3-star hotels, including destinations such as Hotel Sigiriyaaya, the award-winning Mermaid Hotel and Club in Kalutara, and Meena Amma’s Tea Experience in Ambewela, offers a delightful variety of experiences—whether it’s the tranquility of a charming cottage, the lively energy of a beachside retreat, or an engaging immersion into Sri Lankan traditions.
The final category, Essentials, is designed for adventurers and explorers; offering budget-friendly accommodations that meet essential travel needs, focusing on simplicity, practicality, and comfort. Included in this category are 3-star and 2-star brands, Hotel J and City Beds, respectively, that provide comfortable rooms at the convenience of a central location. Whether it’s a quick overnight stop or a base for exploring the region, guests can enjoy reliable, no-frills hospitality.
Hashan Cooray, Director of Marketing and Development, stated, “Today, after the turmoil we all faced for over four years, we are more optimistic than ever about the growth potential of our industry and its role in transforming Sri Lanka’s economy. With this in mind, we felt it was time to bring more clarity to our branding as we now operate over 35 properties around our paradise island.”
Jetwing Hotels remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability and delivering exceptional hospitality across all segments, ensuring every traveller experiences the warmth, service excellence, and legendary Sri Lankan hospitality that define the brand. From the quiet indulgence of Jetwing Luxury Reserves to the refined sophistication of Jetwing Premium Hotels, the cosy comforts of Select Hotels, and the practical simplicity of Essentials, Jetwing Hotels offers thoughtfully tailored experiences that resonate with the needs of every guest. Each category reflects the brand’s dedication to providing not just accommodation but meaningful journeys that celebrate Sri Lanka’s beauty, culture, and heritage. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and personalised service, Jetwing Hotels continues to set new benchmarks in the global hospitality landscape, ensuring that every guest feels truly at home.
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