Kasun’s will to succeed wins the day

By Nelani de Costa-2016-08-14

It was a day of celebration and festivity as hordes of University students filled the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) wearing their billowing black gowns and pink sashes, which were fluttering in the wind. They were proudly holding on to their degree certificates, which they had earned after four years of hard work, dedication and commitment. However, all their achievements paled in comparison to one special student. He was Kasun Chamara, a 25-year-old graduate affected by a rare muscle growth disorder. He earned a Bachelor of Commerce (Special) Degree from the Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura.

Rare muscle growth disorder
Kasun Chamara, who is originally from Matara, now lives in Raththanapitiya, close to his University, for practical reasons. Hailing from a modest family of five, Kasun was born as the eldest of three brothers. The other two are, Thimal and Manthika. As the eldest child of his mother, Mangalika Rajapaksa and his father, K. A. Piyasiri, he was born on 25 September 1990. Weighing only one kilogram and 750 grams, he was born with a rare muscle growth disorder, where there were difficulties in the development of his muscles, thus making him differently able.

However, his parents never conceded to these difficulties and relinquished their hopes in him. They continuously aided him in his academic path, giving him all the motivation, help and encouragement he needed. His mother particularly has been the guiding light in his journey to success. She even gave up her job at a firm when he was born, to provide him with all the love, care and attention that he needed.
An education enthusiast
He has always been a child who was passionate about learning. Speaking to Ceylon Today about his love for education, as a schoolboy, Kasun said, "I have always been a very keen and enthusiastic student at school. I believe, this helped me in my endeavours to reach this very position in life. My favourite subject during my school days has always been Commerce, so I am very happy that, I was able to complete my degree in B Com (Special)."
Apart from his love for Commerce Kasun is also passionate about Cricket. In an eager tone he told Ceylon Today, "I will never miss a cricket match on TV."

After Kasun got selected to the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, his Father became the breadwinner of the family, working as a Driver at his University. His mother of course became his dedicated caretaker, carrying him in her arms to the University as she had always done during his days as a schoolboy. Kasun of course loves his mother dearly for all her sacrifices and was very keen to appreciate everything she has done for him throughout all these years.

A devoted mother
"It is my mother who has always been there for me. Throughout the period of 25 years my mother has always been the pillar of strength and motivation in my life. From my days at the Montessori up to my school days she has been carrying me. Even during my University years she was still carrying me in her arms. She is the reason why I am here today."

According to Kasun's friend Shashika Rathnayaka, Kasun is a very outgoing and friendly personality who believes in helping his friends with their studies to the best of his ability. "Kasun is like a brother to me. We met him during University and were in the same department. Whenever we talk with him we never talk about the difficulties of his condition. Actually his mother is the force behind his strength. She sacrificed a lot to get him to the position he is today."
When asked about that momentous occasion when he was finally awarded his Degree certificate, Kasun said, "I felt very happy when I received my Degree certificate. Education is the only option for me. So I am very glad that I was finally able to earn my degree."

A Positive attitude
Kasun is a confident individual with an optimistic attitude to life. He has so many hopes and aspirations including getting all the medical treatment he can, to stand up on his own two feet one day. Referring to his dreams towards his professional success Kasun said, "The most important thing now is finding a job which is the most suitable for my degree. I want to become a person who is not a burden to the society. I want to be a socially responsible person, who can give back what I have received throughout these years. My dream is to go forward in the Banking and Financial sector at present. It might change in the future."
Kasun said that he has always been a blessed individual as he has met several friends who have never discriminated against him during his school days as well as University.
Beacons of light
"It was during my University days that I received a wheelchair from a monk who studies in Korea. At University there were so many professors and lecturers who helped me out. Some of the names that I should mention here is the Vice Chancellor of our University Professor Sampath Amaratunga, the Dean of the Faculty of Management Dr. U. Anura Kumara and the Alumni Association at University. There were so many other special people who have helped me in my endeavours as well."

Challenges
Kasun said, most of the challenges he faced were physical ones. "However I did not think about them. I worked to the best of my ability trying to keep aside the pain."
With regard to his treatments Kasun said, "I underwent so many different types of treatment and exercises as a child, and up until now, to improve my condition. At present I am receiving a lot of Ayurvedic treatment and applying medicinal ointments on my body."
When Ceylon Today inquired from Kasun's mother, Mangalika Rajapaksa, about how she felt when her son finally received his Degree certificate, she expressed her joy to have witnessed his journey and for being with him every step of the way.

Everything is worth the pain
"I was overcome with happiness at that moment. I have made a very long and arduous journey to get my son here. Sometimes I have cried alone by myself when the times were too hard. It was very painful at times but now that pain has become something to be happy about. My son received a lot of help from his friends at school as well as university. I had time to myself when Kasun's friends helped him out. His friends never discriminated against him and they always treated him as a normal child."
Kasun also informed Ceylon Today that, the Minister of Health Rajitha Senaratne has personally called his mother and promised him a job and health services. Though there have not been any updates till now, Kasun said that he is very grateful to the Minister for extending a helping hand to him.