28/11/2021
Exactly 13 years ago today, we had a wise decision to make as parents. That is, removing the TV from the house. Although it was easy because we were not both TV fans, we had to deal with the problems we had with the adults at home in the early days. Our main objective was to get rid of Sri Lankan channels that distort the minds of children through non-standard programs and advertisements. It has been 13 years since that goal was achieved.
One of the most important benefits of that decision was the free environment and time that children were given to read books. From the day the eldest son learned to read, he was busy with books. We are looking forward to seeing the results day by day. Following in his footsteps, his little brother also joined the books. Today, it is common for the two of them to read books together in our home.
So .. We are writing this story to tell another story about a new book that has been added to our house. This book was written by Navindu Putha. Today this book is being released on the day when Navindu Putha's childhood ends and he becomes a teenager. Childhood is the most beautiful time of life. The experiences and thoughts of that time cannot be regained in life. Navindu Putha was able to write a book by collecting those beautiful childhood thoughts. With the experience of many books that have been read so far, the day when the dream of launching one's own book comes true becomes even more significant as it becomes a milestone in the journey of life.
So, on the way to that milestone, Mrs. Lovina Charles, who helped Navindu realize his fascinating book dreams from an early age, is special. Although she is not in Sri Lanka these days, this book is dedicated to her because of her generous and genuine contribution to the development of Navindu Putha's interest in reading.
Before the Corona pandemic spread around the world, Navindu was able to join the " Pick a Book Sri Lanka Juniors" reading club, and due to the lockdown situation with the Corona pandemic, it was like a blessing in disguise, as we got familiar with the online methods.
At the same time, with the launch of the “ with Navindu” Youtube channel while at home, he paved the way for a mission to share the knowledge he gained from reading books with others. For the past two years or so, the son has had the opportunity to talk about books internationally through the Pick a Book Reading Club online. Navindu Putha also has the opportunity to conduct "mentoring sessions" to make many more people interested in reading books.
It is also a matter of great pride that Mr. Ragulan Tharmakulasingam, the Co-founder of the "Pick a Book" reading club, did the introduction to Navindu in this book. At the same time, Mrs Pavithra Wijerathne, who inspired Navindu to write a book. Also, Mrs. Kanishka Widanagama, who polished the collection by proofreading stories, and the British Council Sri Lanka and its library are the ones who improve my son’s language skills. Last but not least, Mr. Vishwajith Gamage who created this book wonderfully and also exceeded our expectations.
So.. Thanks for reading this short introduction which is a prelude to our son's creation. Soon you will be able to read “The Time The Snipes Learned To Talk”, a collection of English short stories inspired by beautiful childhood thoughts.
Navindu’s Parents
27/11/2021
