We had the great pleasure of speaking with Yoshithya Lokugge, a young creative writer, who recently received the Silver Award at the Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021.

Thirteen year old, Yoshithya Lokugge of Gateway College Dehiwala won the Silver Award certificate at the Commonwealth Essay Competition 2021. Her winning essay was based on what she missed the most during the period of lockdown we faced due to the pandemic.

“I created a story titled “like a bird has wings to fly” to express how I felt. Trapped in a cage, like a bird during the pandemic, and how I missed everything I used to do.”

With an interest in story telling from a very young age, Yoshithya spent her time imagining different tales. She fell in love with writing as it allowed her to fully express herself and her imagination. Yoshithya developed her talent by writing short stories of different genres in her leisure time.

“I enjoy writing fictional and horror stories, because in a book nothing is impossible and a good scare is harmless every now and then.”

Encouraged by her English teacher at Gateway College, Yoshithya entered the essay competition, desiring to paint out her creativity. Her love for writing and storytelling inspirited her into fostering her brilliant essay “Like a bird has wings to fly”.

Young Yoshithya aspires to become a surgeon one day, with her passion for music, art and theatre on the side. She harbours an ambition to write and publish her own book one day. “Because on paper I think anything is possible!”.

Her Essay is as below-

Like a bird has wings to fly…
By Yoshithya Lokuge

“Like a bird has wings to fly, one has freedom to explore. Why would a bird have wings if it’s not supposed to fly? The question I ask myself everyday is, if a person has freedom to explore why can’t I anymore? I think by now we all know the answer to that. Corona Virus! The name makes my blood curl. One of the most dangerous illnesses. Worst is what it did to the mankind. Most people are at rest. Some suffering and some of us locked away, our freedom captured. Locked in a cage!
I miss a lot. I yearn for adventure. Feeling the warm breeze in my hair and getting a good whiff of that earthy smell would always ease my mind. But now the least I can do is stare out my grimy window hoping I could feel those feelings again.

I’m as quiet as a mouse when I stare out my window. Daydreaming away wishing I could break out of this prison and run right into adventure of any sort. I used to ride my bicycle under the magical starry sky the road faintly lit by a dim street lamp. The wind in my face it felt like I was flying. The burning sand and the cold waves crashing on the beach. The sun smiling down at me. Climbing enormous trees, the smell of damp soil and the sound of birds singing oh the feeling !
The day I get to go outside again is going to be the best day of my entire life! I can’t wait to run in the wind, and climb up tall mountains, swim in crystal clear waters and explore the world again.
I also miss my family. I haven’t seen them in a long time. Going on exciting trips with my cousins, having a great laugh and having the most fun one can ever have. I miss everything so very much. I wish I could go back a few years. I miss my friends dearly. Playing for hours, cracking jokes and having someone to talk to, was so delightful.
I miss school. That’s something I never thought I would say. I miss running around the halls and giggling in the library. Becoming a Disney character on stage made me some fantastic memories. The bright colorful lights

flashing, the blasting music, and the happy voices of everyone around me I felt like I was walking on air. I still remember those days so vividly and I hope I get to have fun like that again soon. But the longer I’ve been away from everything, the more I understood how plain life would be without my family, friends, and school.
Going to resorts and playing in playgrounds, swimming in huge swimming pools, making magnificent sandcastles on the beach, collecting shells on the sea shore. Snorkeling near the great reef swimming amongst the glorious fish of so many sorts! I cherish all the adventures I have ever had. Each one has a place in my curious heart. Each one special and each one memorable.
Riding in trains with my cousins. I could breath in the cold morning mist, which rolled down the mountains. Smell of flowers and wet grass. The sound of the train chugging and the voices of people engaged in conversation filled the cabins. I loved looking at the small villages on the side of the magnificent mountains. The small multi-colored houses were a sight for sore eyes and always brought a smile upon my face.
I miss breaking the rules now and then, sneaking out to play with my friends, and having the time of my life. I can’t wait to do these things again!

I stare out my window thinking of all these wonderful things. Picturing myself riding a train or maybe even taking a stroll in the woods and splashing around in water. Maybe one day we’ll be lucky enough to get our freedom back again. Till then all I can do is stare out my grimy window staring up at the clear blue sky, wishing and praying I will get to go on my adventures again. But the least I can do is to wait patiently for this nightmare to end. The urge I have to explore is so grand. I can’t bear waiting any longer. Exploring is one of my favorite things and like a bird has its wings to fly, one has their freedom. I hope I’ll get mine again soon.”

By Kisavi J.