Buvindu Achindra Manamperi is a youngster who can be taken as a role model by other children. At 12 years of age he shows an artistic talent well beyond his years. He is intelligent, articulate and has his feet firmly planted on the ground. He is a student at the Lyceum International School, Nugegoda.
Though as an only child he is cocooned in love and care he is not spoilt or selfish. Quite the contrary, Buvindu has a compassion and sensitivity towards his fellow beings which again is way beyond his years.
Social work
He also does not believe in just spouting words but turns thoughts, feelings and words into action. This is evidenced by his acts of compassion and charity. Junior Observer spoke to Buvindu recently.Buvindu’s concern for the less privileged led him to focus on them and their needs during the pandemic. And he had a brainwave. He decided to put his excellent artistic talent to good use to help some needy children. He did oil paintings and sold them to collect money. Buvindu got a tremendous response which amazed him. With the money he collected Buvindu launched a scholarship scheme for five needy children.
They are given money on a monthly basis and the grant will be valid for one year.The recipients are from Pitipana and Kurana in Negombo, Gonapola Kumbuka in Horana and Batuhena in Ratnapura. The recipients from Kurana are a brother and a sister. Relatives and one of his teachers found the recipients for Buvindu.
He has not met them personally yet but is waiting to do when health restrictions permit it.” I would love to meet them” said Buvindu enthusiastically.
Buvindu is no stranger to social work as he joins his parents in their social work activities including their projects for the Lions Club.
With support from relatives Buvindu repaired the roof of a needy family’s home.
When he made was eight he birthday and Christmas cards and sold them and with the proceeds bought ten pairs of shoes for under privileged children. He is deeply appreciative of the motivation and support he gets from his parents in this regard as well as in everything else.
Art
Buvindu is passionate about art and has been so from his toddler days. Even before starting nursery school Buvindu started drawing. He hung his drawings on the garden wall When his parents Buvindu’s parents Wijitha and Nilanka realised this they got him an art teacher, Vasantha Upul who continues to tutor Buvindu to this day. Having learnt the techniques of art from his teacher he started applying them to his work.
Though Buvindu works with several mediums such as water colours, acrylic and oils his specialty is oil painting. Though he does original paintings he does much work using reference paintings. His eye for colour is excellent and his palette ranges from deep blues and greens to vibrant oranges and soft greens and blues. Eye catching was a three-part mural he had just finished themed around the sun, day time and night.
A painting of a polar bear in with soft shades of blue predominating brought to mind the frozen arctic regions. Trees with orange tops, deep blue waters formed a fitting background to the pristine white of swans.
Buvindu is currently working on a painting of the unique ,open air theatre at the University of Peradeniya. He has also done several paintings of prominent personalities. He markets his paintings through his facebook page and does not lack for clients.
Academically a good student Buvindu is involved in sports and scouting as well. He has done gymnastics, karate, and cricket but now only does swimming due to his tight schedule. He is in his school, Lyceum International School’s A swimming squad. He has won many medals and has been the under 10 Swimming Champion.He is very appreciative of all his swimming coaches and his fitness coach. Buvindu is an ardent lover of nature and loves to spend time at his home in Ratnapura with its many opportunities to interact with nature. Ratnapura is his father’s home town. He also loves Negombo, his mother’s home town Buvindu is lucky to have four cousins whom he adores.
He has two older cousins in Ratnapura and two younger cousins in Negombo.” My cousins are wonderful” said Buvindu affectionately What of this talented youngsters future plans? Buvindu is a good speaker, announcer and gets many opportunities to do so at school.
Hobbies and other activities
Buvindu loves reading, painting, playing the guitar and singing. He is in his school choir and takes part in speech and drama events. He also skateboards and loves travelling. He takes part in many speech and drama events too and is grateful to all teachers and others who has helped him to reach this level.
He also has his own youtube channel called ‘ Buvindu Manamperi’.
What of this talented youngster s future plans?
He wants to be a good swimmer while at school and score grades at the GCE O/L and A /L exams. He also wishes to have a career in either the maths or science fields, for example, become a scientist or an engineer.
Last but not least Buvindu expressed his appreciation to all who have helped him to become what he is today.