A talented young author
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By Tarini Pilapitiya
Lohan S. L. Wijerathne is a young Sri Lankan writer currently reaching international book seller status on Amazon. At 12 years of age, Lohan has already published two of his works having started writing at the tender age of 9. His first work ‘Boy’s Mind’ was published in 2015 and his latest publication ‘Time Traveller’s Tale’ will be the first installment in his series ‘Tales of Magic and Fantasy’.
Narrated in third person the story revolves around Jake, the eleven year old protagonist and his adventures.
The plot heightens with Jake and his little sister May finding themselves in a bit of a conundrum and suddenly being transported back in time. The extraordinary adventure begins, taking them through parallel dimensions from Ancient Egypt, Greece, the Tudors, Dinosaurs and even to the future.
The book tackles the genres of Fantasy and Science Fiction, initially looking into Time Travel, but as ‘time’ wore on Lohan had a change of heart. ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’ by C. S. Lewis was his muse for writing and ultimately inspired him to add elements of fantasy to his initial text.
Although the book handles many whimsical topics, Lohan also touches on realistic subject matter that would appeal to children of any day and age. Bullying and loyalty are topics Lohan sheds light on. As the story progresses Jake will head on a bully at the very start of the book and will again face a villainous robot at the end.
Taking approximately 10 months to complete his work, Lohan has put some serious thought into his book, an admirable quality of perseverance and precision for someone so young. His major support system, his family and school, “supported me through my whole journey,” Lohan fondly states.
His mother Sajeewani shares that Lohan was always a “quiet character” and ever since he was small he had a face filled with expressions. When asked what were on his thoughts he would simply reply, “I’m watching cartoons in my mind”. An avid reader, Lohan soon started penning his thoughts down. On discovering his potential both she and her husband were pleasantly surprised and encouraged Lohan to follow his passion.
Lohan is entirely grateful to the teachers who have helped him, giving high praise for
Ms. Cheryl Thomas and Ms. Gopitha Kiribandara.
He was also awed by the support given to him by his principal Mr. David Sanders and his school.
A talented cricketer currently playing on the CIS Cricket Team, Lohan has abandoned his dreams of becoming the next Kumar Sangakkara for becoming an aspirant author instead. He ambitiously informs us, “I set my future at 11”.
Lohan hopes to rekindle the spark of passion he discovered reading books, among his own readers. He wishfully adds, “I will remember the books that inspired me and hope that in the future my book will inspire others also to write.”
‘Boy’s Mind’ is available in leading bookshops Sarasavi, Vijitha Yapa, Makeen and both books ‘Boy’s Mind’ and
‘Tales of Magic and Fantasy:
Time Traveller’s Tale’ are available for purchase on Amazon.com.
