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

Sri Lanka Press Association (SLPA) appointed its new office bearers and the executive committee for the term 2026 /2027 at its 70th Annual General Meeting held at the Russian Cultural Centre auditorium recetnly.

Founded on October 9th in 1955 by Ven. Udakendawala Siri Saranankara Thera, the SLPA celebrated its 70th Anniversary Conference and the D. F. Kariyakarawana Memorial Journalism Awards at the Hilton Colombo on November 26th last year.

The newly appointed office bearers and the executive committee are as follows; Chief Patron: Muditha Kariyakarawana, Patron: P. Balasingham, President: Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana (Daily Mirror), Senior Vice President P. M. Senaratne, Vice Presidents: Vijitha Kadiragonna, Tilak Senanayake, Douglas Nanayakkara, Shirley Anil de Silva, Secretary General: Tharaka Wickramasekara (Silumina), Deputy Secretary General: Saman Indrajith (The Island), National Secretary: Sashi Prabath Ranasinghe (Lankadeepa), Assistant National Secretary: Ananda Kannangara (Freelance), Supun Maduwantha Abeysena (DAN TV), National Organiser: Ishu Bandara (Sunday Times), Assistant National Organisers: Cyril Ariyapala (Dramatist), Thilina Shalika Premasiri (Swarnavahini), Treasurer: Chaminda Karunaratne (KDU), Assistant Treasurers: Krishna D. Edirisinghe (Aruna), Ranjith Pathirage (MTV), Legal Advisor: Attorney-at-Law Lakmal Sooriyagoda (Daily Mirror), Editor Sinhala: Yasas Nainanayake (Ministry of Mass Media), Editor Tamil: Alagan Kanagaraj (Tamil Mirror), Editor English: Yohan Perera (Daily Mirror), Editor Photography: Samantha Perera (Daily Mirror), Chief Publications Secretary: Chula Bandara Banneheke (Graphic Specialist), Assistant Publications Secretary: Sumindu Maduranga (Freelance), Secretary Electronic Media: Sajith Ranasinghe (Swarnavahini), Secretary Digital Media: Dushantha Gunaratne (Daily FT), Secretary Special Projects: Cyril Pathirana (Freelance), Secretary Women’s Affairs: Nidarshani Wickramasinghe (Sunday Times), Executive Committee – Chaminda Perera (Daily News), Kelum Bandara (Daily Mirror), Sandun Yapa Karunaratne (Attorney-at-Law), Gagani Weerakoon (Freelance), Saliya de Fonseka (Trumpet Publications), Anandi Balasingham (Tamil Mirror), Sarath Kumara Perera (Research Journalist), Nirmala Perera (Surani Publishers), Panini Wewala (Freelance), Senthil Velawar (Thinakaran), Hemantha Kahawalage (Neth FM), Akila Nadeeshani Bandara (Dinamina), Sudarman Radaliyagoda (ITN), Ramsy Kuddos (Veerakesari), Wijeyani Edirisinghe (SLBC), Skandha Gunasekara (The Morning), Dhaneshi Yatawara (Daily Mirror), Nis Man Ranasinghe (Lanka News Web), Sanjeewika Samaratunga (Sarawita) and Rusin Thathsara (Freelance).

Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology 
at 3.30 p.m. on 21 March 2026, valid for 22 March 2026.

Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in the Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern and North-western provinces and in
Anuradhapura, Monaragala, Mannar and Vavuniya districts.

The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.

Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.

ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.

Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.