Amelia and the Ring of Enjoyment, the first book of a fairy tale series was launched in a traditional setting at the Bellanwila Raja Maha Viharaya under the auspices of the most Venerable Prof. Bellanwila Wimalaratana Thera. Binadie Ratnayake, a talented 11-year-old of Lyceum International School, Nugegoda is an ardent reader and has a deep enthusiasm for writing. She is inspired by the books by authors such as Roald Dhal, J K Rowling and Enid Blyton which is apparent by her stories which revolve around things like magic, adventure, friendship, courage and bravery.
Amelia and the Ring of Enjoyment is Binadie's first attempt at writing a series. She has been writing many essays and poems from her young days and has quite a collection of these. To mark her achievement as a talented child author, the book launch was organised on her 11th birthday. Junior Observer had an interview with Binadie Ratnayake to know about her and her writing skills.
Excerpts:
Question: Tell me something about yourself?
Answer: My name is R.M. Binadie Mehara Methsani Ratnayake. I am 11-years-old. I attend Lyceum International School, Nugegoda. My father is Muditha Ratnayake and my mother is Nadeera Hettiarachchi. I have a little brother called Yenul Ratnayake. We live in Udahamulla. I am in Grade Seven. My favourite subject is English because it teaches me the proper grammar, vocabulary and other things about the subject which helps me immensely in writing my books. My best friend is Sineli Wellaketiya. All my friends help me in writing my books and encourage me.
Q: What made you write Amelia and the Ring of Enjoyment? And what is the story about?
A: My story Amelia and the Ring of Enjoyment simply popped into my head. I wrote it all by myself but my parents, relatives and friends kept encouraging me especially my dad. The story is about a girl called Amelia Jennifer who moved from the countryside to the city. She feels miserable and does not cheer up at all. Then one night, the fairy Nutmeg from a magical land called Enchantia tells Amelia that an evil queen – Queen Malice had stolen the Ring of Enjoyment which keeps happiness strong all over the universe. Amelia voluntarily offers to help and overcomes challenges to retrieve the ring. A book in the series was already launched and there are six more to be launched.
Q: Tell me about your interest in drawing?
A: I began drawing when I was a little girl. I drew on walls, papers, magazines - anywhere I could possibly do. I learned to draw better through my Art classes at school. I liked the various drawings in the numerous books I read, so I tried to draw like them and improve my drawings. Drawing helps me tell the story in a much more stronger way.
Q: Who helps you in achieving your goals?
A: My parents, friends and family help me. Even the company ‘Silver Reed’ who printed my first book very beautifully, assisted me. Among all, my father helped me a lot. Ever since I was small he has been right behind me in my path of success. He has encouraged and motivated me into believing in myself and doing great things. He snaps a photo of anything I write or keeps it safe until necessary. My teachers and my Principal Kumari Grero have done many things for me. I appreciate everyone's support. Even the tiniest bit of help means so much to me.
Q: What are your favourite leisure time activities?
A: I enjoy reading books, playing with my brother, drawing or writing. I also like watching movies, cartoons and playing games. I mostly like to spend time with books. I have many books in my bookshelf and I believe that I have read each one of them more than five times!
Q: What is your ambition?
A: I have two ambitions: to become an English teacher or an author. My mum says that I can do both, and that will be good. I want to teach because I want to share my knowledge with others and help children learn. I want to become an author because I want people to see that there are better ways to spend free time rather than meddling with electronic devices. It is my passion and my talent which I like to broaden.
Pix: Dushmantha Mayadunne