A boy who threw a rock at the moon
Subtitle: හඳට ගල් ගැසූ කොල්ලෙක්
Publisher: PothMee Publication by Nissh Em
Published: 2023-12-20
Description: Today is an important day in my life. But before I tell you why, let me share a story.

Every person carries a story.

Just like the trees and leaves around us—each with its own shape and color—our lives too are unique tapestries woven with different experiences, emotions, and memories. Like rivers that carve their own paths, we journey through joy and sorrow, love and loss, courage and fear.

Some of us boldly share our stories with the world, hoping to inspire others or find healing in the telling. Others carry their stories in silence, never revealing them, letting them rest eternally beneath the soil along with their bodies. And then there are some who only whisper fragments of their stories—just enough to keep someone else from giving up.

I don’t know exactly which of those I am. Even now, as I write this, I’m unsure of what feelings might rise or whether I’ll ever publish this. But one thing I know for sure: if this story, buried in pride or shame, never sees the light of day—and never gives even a flicker of hope to someone else—then it serves no purpose.

So I write.

This may be my story, but there are countless others who carry similar scars, silent wounds, and hidden fears. If you ever meet someone whose story echoes this one, tell them: You are not alone. There were others like you. Because once, I believed I was the only one. I believed no one else could possibly carry the pain I did.

Not in my youth. But in my childhood—I thought so.

I hope no child with a similar story grows up thinking they are alone in the world.

Because they’re not. Just like I wasn’t.

“A Boy Who Threw a Rock at the Moon”

Let me begin with that...

- Muthumudalige Nissanka
Table of contents: title: Muthumudalige Nissanka (Nissh Em): The Voice Behind the Silence; title: Muthumudalige Nissanka, widely recognized by his literary pseudonym Nissh Em, is a Sri Lankan author, storyteller, filmmaker, and social commentator whose voice continues to resonate across cultures and generations. Known for his bold approach to storytelling, Nissanka has made a significant impact not only within Sri Lanka but also internationally, through his thought-provoking narratives and fearless advocacy for truth, justice, and human dignity.; title: Born into a modest family in Sri Lanka, Nissanka's early years were shaped by curiosity, observation, and an unquenchable thirst for stories. From a young age, he found comfort in imagination and began writing as a way to process the world around him. Over the years, this quiet passion transformed into a powerful purpose - giving voice to the voiceless, addressing social taboos, and challenging cultural norms through the written word.; title: Nissanka’s storytelling career officially took off on social media, where he started sharing original stories, reflections, and personal essays under the name “Mutumudali’s Nisshanka.” His raw and honest narratives quickly gained a loyal following. Many of his early works, posted on Facebook and his websites, resonated deeply with readers, prompting numerous requests for him to compile his writings into book form. This led to the publication of over sixteen books, many of which became bestsellers in Sri Lanka.; title: What sets Nissanka apart from other writers is his courage to write about subjects most shy away from. His works often explore the psychological depths of human relationships, complex emotional landscapes, the tension between tradition and change, and themes that challenge religious myths, gender roles, and societal expectations. His signature storytelling style is a blend of realism, poetic emotion, and occasionally, the eerie unknown—combining elements of horror, romance, suspense, and social critique into unforgettable literary experiences.; title: In addition to his literary work, Nissanka is a passionate filmmaker, driven by a lifelong dream to translate his stories to the screen. His vision is to create cinema that not only entertains but also enlightens, sparking conversations that linger long after the credits roll. He is also a motivational speaker, using his life experiences and wisdom to inspire young minds, creatives, and those struggling with personal or societal challenges.; title: Over the years, Nissanka has lived and worked in over 25 countries, giving him a broad, multicultural perspective that breathes life into his storytelling. This global exposure is reflected in the vivid settings and diverse characters he brings to his books. Despite his international reach, he remains deeply rooted in Sri Lankan identity, often weaving the essence of his homeland into the heart of his stories.; title: Apart from literature and film, he is the founder and director of PothMee Publication, a Sri Lankan publishing house that promotes emerging writers and translates quality works, especially in the young adult and mystery genres. He is also involved in NGO work, particularly through HelpPIN, a registered non-profit focused on education and youth empowerment.; title: Today, Nissh Em stands as a bridge between cultures, generations, and conversations long suppressed. He is a reminder that stories - especially those that are hard to tell—have the power to heal, awaken, and transform.