Rathna Lalani Jayakody

Jayakodige Dona Rathna Lalani (born 8 January 1964 as [Sinhala]), popularly known as Rathna Lalani Jayakody, is an actress in Sri Lankan cinema, theatre and television. She is a teacher by profession.

Personal life Rathna Lalani Jayakody was born on 8 January 1964 as the youngest of the family. Her father is an Ayurvedic doctor. She went to Siddhartha Maha Vidyalaya, Sedawatta and then attended to Kolonnawa Balika Vidyalaya. She has two elder brothers, two elder sisters – Geetha Kanthi and Sriyani. Geetha Kanthi is also a renowned award-winning actress in Sri Lankan cinema, theatre and television. Popular actor Bimal Jayakody is the son of Rathna's elder brother. Bimal is married to fellow actress Sujani Menaka. Popular actress Paboda Sandeepani is the daughter of her sister Geetha Kanthi.

Rathna Lalani was married to fellow actor Sampath Tennakoon.

She is currently working as a teacher in Sri Rajasinghe Madya Maha Vidyalaya.

Acting career Before starting acting career, Jayakody joined with Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation for Lama Pitiya program with her sister Geetha Kanthi. Accordingly, she joined many children's radio programs like, Sangeeta Sandhyawa, Gurukulaya, Kanitu Sarasaviya and Lamaa Ranga Peetaya. Later, she got to play the role in the stage play Veniciye Velenda previously played by her sister. She was selected for many dramas due to her voice best suited for Noorthi and stage drama songs. She acted under the prominent directors such as Ananda Sirisena, Agnes Sirisena, Mahinda Algama, Ashoka Tillakaratne and Piyadasa Ranasinghe to polish her abilities. After seeing the role, filmmaker Lester James Peries asked her to act in his 1991 film Awaragira. and Hathara Wate

In 1991, a drama festival named Ratna Lalani Drama Festival was held. Puthra Samagama Guru Tharuwa Jagan Ma Romaya Gini Gani Thalamala Pipila Andarela Deseeya Thunseeya Mala Walalu

Filmography Her maiden cinematic experience came through a minor role in 1986 film Pooja, directed by Dharmasiri Gamage. Some of her popular films are Awaragira, Randiya Dahara and Pooja.

Year Film Role Ref. 1986 Pooja 1989 Siri Medura Kamala 1992 Malsara Doni 1995 Awaragira Seetha 2002 Punchi Suranganavi Abandoned Nurse 2003 Sudu Kaluwara Margaret Fernando 2004 Randiya Dahara Lionel's wife 2008 Siri Raja Siri Class teacher 2011 Gamani Murder victim 2016 Sarigama Sister Rita 2019 President Super Star Samanthika 2024 Sinhabahu 2024 Gini Avi Saha Gini Keli 2