MAGICAL TRIUMPH FOR KUMALJA
Clinches Best Talent Award at Thailand Int’l Magic Extravaganza
Nine-year-old Nugegoda Lyceum International school student Kumalja Rithuki Kiyara Kuruppu brought pride to her country when she clinched the Best Talent Award at the Thailand International Magic Extravaganza 2018 which concluded in Bangkok recently. Little Kumalja who is the daughter of ITN Executive Producer Sumiththa Kuruppu and NSB Senior Marketing Manager Dulakshi Perera, was coached by veteran magician Rohan Jayasekara.
Kumalja who clinched the award in the 5 to 10 years age group segment, mastered the art of magic by coincidence when she for the first time witnessed a magic act during a friend’s birthday party two years ago. “That was my real inspiration. I watched with awe how he performed. When I told my parents, they put me under the training of my coach Rohan Jayasekara Sir and I soon began to master the art within my capacity. I perfomed at school functions and even during the morning assembly. Several children from various countries took part in this competition and I am glad I was able to bag this award,” said the Lyceum Year 4 student. Coach Rohan Jayasekara said in his 30-year career he has groomed four young performers to reach top levels and said Kumalja has shown outstanding talents. “She indeed has a promising future. She is very composed and grasps things very quickly which are key qualities. She also commits herself to attend classes during her leisure and practices with great dedication. She has a bright future in this sphere,” he said.