Children and teens are always fascinated by electronics and robotics. They always wants to find out ‘what makes them tick’? Some may take an electronic item apart to see what makes it tick. A very young child may bang an electronic item till it breaks and what is inside comes out. Such is their curiosity.
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| Rev. Fr. Sanjeewa Mendis, Rector of St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa with Angelo |
Some children will put their intelligent minds and creative talents to good use and create useful electronic items including robots.
Angelo Keshana Perera is one such gifted child. A Grade 8 student of St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa and now, in his early teens, he has created
Orion Kid
Orion Kid, a robot. It can move avoiding obstacles, check room and body temperatures, spray hand sanitiser automatically and raise its arms up and down.
Orion Kid’s components include Ardino Boards, an infra-red (IR) sensor and a water pump.
He has also written a book about Orion Ki’ and how it operates.
Electronics and robotics fascinated Angelo from an early age and it soon developed into a great passion.
When he was about eight years Angelo built a washing machine. It could wash small items like handkerchiefs and socks.
Angelo’s next electronic marvel was an electronically operated ‘obstacle avoiding car’. He was 11 years when he created this.
His never-ending fascination with electronics and his sharp mind made Angelo delve further into the amazing world of electronics.
Voice controlled car
Angelo hit upon the idea of developing his ‘obstacle avoiding car’ from an electronically controlled car into a voice-controlled car. His efforts were successful and this achievement too was when he was still 11 years.
This car brought Angelo many accolades.
Rev. Fr. Sanjeewa Mendis, Rector of St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa recognised appreciated his young pupil’s talent and rewarded him accordingly.
Scholarship
Angelo was given a scholarship at St. Sebastian’s College till he finished his school career or till he completes his Advanced Level Examination.
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| Sister Shashikala, Angelo and grand father Lakshman |
Rev. Fr. Mendis is also mentoring and guiding Angelo with the intention of sending him to either Japan or Australia to continue his higher studies in the field of electronics.
From the start, mother Chandima and maternal grandfather, Lakshman Weeramanthry have been the rocks in Angelo’s foray into the world of electronics. They not only provide him with the materials and components he needs to make electronic items but also gives the young enterprising inventor all the encouragement and moral support he needs.
It was grandfather Lakshman Weeramanthry who nurtured Angelo’s interest in electronics and robotics. Himself an electronics engineer at he recognised his talented grandson’s ability and took him under his wing and continues to do so to this day.
Youtuber
Angelo is also a Youtuber and his channel ‘Tech with Keshana ‘ has around 1,700 views to date.’
A high flyer in the field of academic work Angelo is always among the top five in class.
A well-disciplined and organised boy Angelo has no problems with time management. He gets up at 4 a.m. to study and follows his passion, electronics during his leisure which is in the evenings and at night.
Mother Chandima is a teacher at Guidance International School in Kesbewa and is therefore, well able to supervise her children’s studies.
His father, Priyantha Perera is a teacher at St. Anne’s College, Kotahena.
Chess player
With his intelligence it is not surprising that Angelo is a keen and excellent chess player. He is the captain of the College’s chess team and has represented his College at many chess tournaments.
For relaxation Angelo plays the Guitar. He enjoys all genres of music.
Angelo rears a fish as a pet and is an animal lover. Recently, he rescued an injured bird, healed it and released it to the wilds.
A devout Catholic Angelo serves as an altar boy at St. Lazarus’ Church at Wewala.
Mother Chandima proudly says that Angelo helps her very much in her household chores.
Also supporting Angelo are his siblings. He has two elder sisters Shashikala and Chathurya. Shashikala is studying to be a Chartered Accountant and currently works at an audit firm. Chathurya is sitting for her Advanced Level at Holy Family Convent, Dehiwala. Younger brother Jude is a Grade 3 student at St. Sebastian’s College. Grandmother Mani Weeramanthry is Angelo’s other great mentor and guide.
What of the future? Angelo is now planning is next electronic project, a fully automated chocolate machine. The chocolate produced by this machine will be untouched by human hands.
Angelo hopes to keep creating electronic marvels and continue his studies overseas. He dreams big of making an impact in the field of electronics both locally and abroad.
Angelo is very grateful to Rev. Fr. Mendis, teacher Gayani, his family, friends and relatives and all others who have helped and supported him in the field of electronics and robotics both locally and abroad.