Q: When was your first time to know about the tattoo?

My uncle has tattoos all over his body since I was small. That’s when I first know about the tattoo, but I never dreamed of getting one because Sri Lanka is such a traditional country, the society is like if you have a tattoo on your skin, people might have judged you when I was small.

 

Q: How did you like it when you heard about it?

I was really curious to know what kind of stories of these tattoos. It interested me because it’s kind of a cool factor to having a tattoo.

​

Q: How do you decide to have a tattoo?

I travel quite often. I’ve travelled to many countries all across the world, more than 65 countries. I just want something to memorize all my trips. Also, I like connecting with people. I like conversing with people. I thought getting a tattoo would be a way to memorize the places I’ve been to.

 

Q: What is your first tattoo? Where did you get it?

My first tattoo is the coordinates to a place in Sweden. It’s called Kiruna.

I was in the ice hotel in Sweden. I went to see the aurora lights in the sky. This is where I was when I saw the lights.

​

Q: Does your tattoo have special meaning for you?

Yes. Whenever I look at my tattoos, I remember the places that I’ve been to. I wouldn’t get the coordinate of a place if I didn’t have a special connection with this place. Whenever I look at them, I always think about the pleasure and experiences I had in these places.

The coordinates being on my body really means a lot to me because I feel like I’m still connected to these places. As a whole of these experiences have made who I am today.

​

Q: What was your first reaction when the tattoo is done?

It was painful because it was on the wrist. If your tattoo on your chest, it doesn’t hurt as much because there is a muscle that between your skin and bone. But if you tattoo on your wrist, it’s directly your bone! Even the tattoo artist was telling me, ‘don’ cry.’

I was scared because I knew it would stay with me until the day I die. But when I saw the finished tattoo, it was really cool. I really liked it.

 

Q: How do your family like your tattoo?

My parents aren’t so traditional because I come from the capital city.

The first thing I did when I got a tattoo is to show my mom. My mom is usually funny. She said, ‘now you have something on your skin that we didn’t give you. That’s your choice.’

I used to travel as well so he could understand me.

And I have a sister who has I lot of tattoos. She just made fun of me for making little tattoos.

​

Q: Have you received any pressure from your family, your school or your workplace?

No, because my tattoos are really small. They are barely seen. I don’t have any problems with my workplace.

Usually, in the country like Sri Lanka or India, the parents are really strict to the tradition. But my parents didn’t react to the way they were supposed to. I’m very glad to have parents like them. Usually, the people are very westernized in the capital city of Sri Lanka than people outside.

​

Q: Have you ever been asked to cover your tattoos?

No, never.

 

Q: Have you ever regretted to get the tattoo?

No, never. I actually want to get more coordinates of the places that I’m gonna go to.

When I die, I will look in the mirror and be happy I’ve been to all these places. It will be a great memory, a great way to really live the life that I lived.

​

Q: Could you use one sentence to describe what tattoo means to you.

A way to record my life.

​