Daily NEWS Srilanka

An untold story of Pubudu Chathuranga who entered into marriage last week is told by Janaka Abeywardena, a teacher of his. Published below is how he related the story in his own words:

"In the year 2001, a boy came to my class with

I actually came to know him as the most clever boy in the class. That was not because he got the best marks at the tests. The other thing is that in those days I really did not have many tests as such in class. But, when I used to ask the students to make a sum; this boy happened to finish the sum before other students.

Because of such things, as time passed on, I realised that he was the best boy in class. As time passed, it was time for the examination. He sat for the exam too. Results came. But he had no good results as was expected. However, he had not failed but neither had he convincing results either. He then came to my class once again with the intention of doing the exam for the second time. He thus sat for the second time also. But still there was no change as such. Just as it was before. He had not passed in a convincing manner.

I then asked him, 'why is it like this?' He then gave a queer response. 'Sir I want to be an actor!' That really was his answer. I could  not believe it. A child like this who could study well, so clever ... having an ambition of this sort in his mind. He refused to do the exam for the third time. I asked him whether the home-people liked it. 'No' was his reply. 'Sir can you help me?' I then thought about my ownself. Though I had the opportunity to become an engineer; the profession I liked was teaching. That is because I  really liked it. I thought that this boy too must be someone like that. I then gave Rs. 6000 from the Rs. 7000 I had in my possession and kept the balance Rs. 1000 with me and said, 'you come after becoming the best actor'.

Time passed by. Then after some years I happened to observe him in a minor role in a film. Sometime later, I saw him in a teledrama. I watched that teledrama also. I noticed a big development of his in this teledrama compared to the earlier film. I managed to find his number and gave him a call. 'Sir, I want to come and meet you. But not soon. I'll some day come after clinching the Best Actor award', he told me over the phone. Yet another about five years passed by.

Some days ago he came to my class in Galle. Not just slinging his arms ... bringing the Best Actor's award. I was surprised. That day I gave him Rs. 6000 and just said, 'You become the best actor and then come' had actually become a reality! Next, he wanted to give me that award which he won and said, 'Sir keep this to remind you of me'. But I returned that award to him; because it belongs to him. Having toiled for 10 years, it was he who ultimately won that award!