Discover the Story Behind Ninolades
Where family passion meets purpose, and diverse talents unite to inspire positive change in our world.
Our Story
We’re a family of three dreamers who believe in learning without limits. Our journey isn’t the usual way, and that’s exactly what makes it special.
As a single parent, Lasantha De Silva took on a challenge that most wouldn’t: homeschooling two sons entirely on his own. With limited resources but unlimited love, everything was built on trust and dedication—there were tough decisions and moments of doubt. But through it all, he stayed committed to giving his sons not just an education, but a foundation for life.
That dedication paid off in extraordinary ways.
Nikolai, now 18, completed his IGCSEs at 12 and GCE A/Ls at 14. He’s an astronomy popularizer and author who makes the universe accessible to everyone.
Nolasko, now 14, completed his IGCSEs at 10 and became the youngest student in Sri Lanka to sit for GCE A/Ls at just 12. He’s a musician and fiction writer who brings creativity to everything he touches.
7Lasantha, the heart of it all, has written 37 books on applied psychology, research, and storytelling, and leads motivational programs that blend astronomy, music, and mental wellness.
Together, we inspire young minds and promote peace of mind, courage, and creativity. We believe learning should be interesting and useful—and we’re here to share that with the world.
The Meaning Behind "Ninolades"
Ninolades isn’t just our family name—it’s a carefully crafted symbol of unity and identity. Each syllable represents a family member, creating a harmonious whole that’s greater than the sum of its parts:
- NI – Nikolai, our elder son and astronomical explorer
- NO – Nolasko, our younger son and creative storyteller
- LA – Lasantha, the father and advocate for mental well-being
- DES – De Silva, our family heritage and shared foundation
Together, these elements create “Ninolades”—a name that embodies our belief that individual strengths, when united by love and purpose, can create something truly meaningful.
Family Profiles
Lasantha De Silva
Hi, I’m Lasantha—a 51-year-old social researcher, author, and single dad. Life hasn’t always been easy, and raising two boys on my own came with tough days. But those challenges shaped me. I’ve written 36 books on applied psychology, research, and storytelling, all focused on helping people grow stronger. I love supporting kids and young people with fresh ideas, tools, and a whole lot of heart.
I’m always up for experiencing new cultures, meeting new people, and really getting into new things. I love thinking about new ideas to make things better. Writing’s a huge passion of mine, and I’m always trying out new approaches. I love spending my free time learning stuff I don’t know yet, and I’m into reading, listening to music, and traveling.
Nikolai De Silva
Hi! I’m Nikolai, an 18-year-old astronomy popularizer—always trying to bring you something new. I’m learning something new every day, and I love sharing that with you!
I did my IGCSEs at 12 and finished my GCE A/Ls at 14. I want to make astronomy exciting and easy to explore—because the universe is super cool to even think about. Astronomy’s my passion, and I love having time to think about something new, just wondering how things work. I also enjoy making crafts, reading, traveling, singing, drawing, and listening to music.
Nolasko De Silva
Hi, I’m Nolasko, I’m 14, and I live for music and learning—my life’s totally about beats, tunes, melodies, and just every sound out there. I’ve written 2 books so far and did my IGCSEs at 10, becoming the youngest student in Sri Lanka to sit for the GCE A/L exam at just 12 years old.
I’m part of our family’s motivational programs, and I love using music and creativity to help people feel inspired and understood. I enjoy my time playing songs, making crafts, singing, traveling, and checking out new music.