Chandana Sooriyabandara

Chandana Sooriyabandara (; born c. 1965) is a Sri Lankan journalist, television host, and media executive. He served as host of Sirasa Lakshapathi, the Sri Lankan version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, from 2011 to 2025, and as Channel Head of Sirasa TV from 2015 to 2025. In February 2025, he was appointed Media Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka.

Early life and education Sooriyabandara was born in Watapuluwa village, near Kandy. His father, Lionel Sooriyabandara, was a music teacher and sitarist who held a degree from the Heywood Institute of Arts (now part of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts), where he met Sooriyabandara's mother, Sulochana Gamage, also a music student. He is the eldest of four siblings, including his younger brother Saddha Mangala Sooriyabandara, also a journalist and television host.

Career

Television hosting In 2011, Sooriyabandara became the second host of Sirasa Lakshapathi, replacing Lucky Dias. He also directed Satana, a weekly political program on Sirasa TV. In late 2025, he transitioned to Swarnavahini to host the high-stakes quiz program Jeewitheta Kotiyak.

Media executive roles In 2015, Sooriyabandara was appointed Channel Head of Sirasa TV, part of the Capital Maharaja Group, a position he held until 2025.

In 2018, he was appointed Head of Sirasa Stein Studios, becoming CEO of Stein Studios by 2020. Under his leadership, the studio produced The Voice Sri Lanka (2020,2023), The Voice Teens (2019,2022) and The Voice Kids (2023).

Government appointment On 24 February 2025, Sooriyabandara was officially appointed as the Media Advisor to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. He received his letter of appointment at the Presidential Secretariat from the Secretary to the President, Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.