Meet Sunisha Samaraweera
A Journey Through Childhood, Creativity and Storytelling
Sunisha Samaraweera is a writer and illustrator of children’s books for young children. Her illustrations showcase a distinctive style that is uniquely her own, captivating both children and adults. Through her stories, Sunisha transports young readers into realms of wonder, magic and adventure, keeping their hearts entertained and their minds curious and inspired.
Like many dedicated authors and educators, Sunisha is passionate about encouraging children to engage with reading from an early age and introducing them to the enriching world of storybooks.
The Chapters of My Life
Early Life in Sri Lanka
Sunisha was born in Sri Lanka, often referred to as the teardrop island in the Indian Ocean. She spent her childhood in a suburban town, enjoying plenty of opportunities for free play which developed her independence, creativity, and cognitive abilities. Growing up, she was deeply inspired by the wonders of storytelling and illustration thanks to her mother, Sybil Wettasinghe, a celebrated author and illustrator of children’s books.
Teaching Career in Scotland
After completing her schooling, her dedication to teaching truly flourished. She moved to Scotland with her husband Mahinda and three children—Dulkith, Shalini and Anudath—where she obtained her qualifications as a Primary School Teacher. Sunisha taught in Scottish schools for many years, sharing her enthusiasm for learning and creativity with young pupils.
Beginning of Writing
Nurtured by the support of her teachers and family, her artistic talent and literary interest led her to publish her first book, Giant’s Wish, inspired by the Scottish folktale of Jok the Giant. Building on this success, she created Welcome Home Little Fish, a story about a salmon's journey that was nominated for the Best English Children’s Literature Book at the State Literary Awards in Sri Lanka in 2015.
Retirement & Creativity
Presently, Sunisha enjoys her retirement by dedicating her time to writing and illustrating storybooks for young children. Alongside her creative work, she spends time gardening and walking, taking pleasure in the beautiful Scottish outdoors. The natural settings she explores continually bring fresh inspiration to her magical stories.