Sanath Wimalasiri

Sanath Wimalasiri (, born 8 April 1974) is a Sri Lankan academic and actor in cinema, theatre and television. Recognised for his versatility from drama to comedy, he is also a classically trained Kandyan dancer, singer, television host, teacher, lecturer, counsellor, teacher trainer, and a specialist in human skills development.

Early life and education Wimalasiri was born on 8 April 1974 in Matale, the son of Johnny Wimalasiri and Prema Thalgahagoda, both retired aesthetic-studies instructors. He was born into the prominent Thalgahagoda family of Matale, a lineage of classically trained Kandyan dancers. His brother, Mahinda, is a senior lecturer at the University of the Visual and Performing Arts and is also active in drama and theatre.

Wimalasiri received his schooling from Weuda Central College, Kurunegala. D.M. Gunarathna Maha Vidyalaya, Matale, St. Thomas' College, Matale, and Kingswood College, Kandy. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the University of the Visual and Performing Arts and a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Drama and Theatre) from the University of Colombo. He later completed a PhD in psychology at the University of Colombo’s Faculty of Education under the supervision of Chair Professor Manjula Vithanapathirana.

Personal life Wimalasiri is married to Vineetha Erandathi, a teacher at Sri Jayewardenepura Balika Vidyalaya. The couple have two daughters.

Acting career He started to act in stage dramas while studying at Kingswood College. He first stage acting came through the play Kethumathi produced by Upali Thilanka Hewage. Under the guidance of his teacher Amitha Rabbidigala, Wimalasiri joined Ediriweera Sarachchandra's theater group. He was selected to play the lead roles in Sarachchandra's critically acclaimed plays such as Maname and Sinhabahu. In 1992, his acted in the serial Nedayo directed by Nalan Mendis, which marked his entrance to television serials. His maiden cinema acting came through 2003 film Sonduru Dadabima directed by Anura Horatious. His most notable acting came through comedy film Sri Last Chance.

He hosted the television programs Visi Ek Wani Peya and Sarsaraniya telecast on Swarnawahini. Sinal Soyanna Dinanna and Hedakara Hendewa telecast on ITN. He hosted Potawe Isakkaluwa telecast on TV One. He also conducts the programme, Sanath Ekka Jeewithayata Idadenna, an innovative musical event which improves people's prosocial attitudes. Elowa Gihin Melowa Aawa Guru Tharuwa Hasthikantha Manthare Honda Hawai Danga Hawai Kada Walalu Kethumathi Kunu Kanuwak Saha Nommara Dekak Last Bus Eke Kathawa Lawna Kala Hadiyak Lomahansa Lysistrata Mahasara Makarata Maname Mandela Mandela Mati Karaththaya Nil Rosa Mala Oba Sapekshai Prathiroopa Pematho Jayathi Soko Promitheous Raja Jalliya Raja Man Wahala Rathnawali Raththaran Samath Api Asamath Sihala Wansala Sihina Rangahala Sinhabahu Sinhaya Avilla Sudu Redi Hora Thakadombe

Selected television serials

Amarabandu Rupasinghe Anora Asani Wesi Atawaka Sanda Bhavathra Bonikko Bopath Ella Chandi Kumarihami Chaya Crime Scene Dedunu Sihina Divithura Diya Yata Gini Diya Sithuvam Eka Kusa Upan Ewun Eth Kanda Lihini Gimhana Tharanaya Girikula Googly Heeye Manaya Hiru Daruwo Hithagannama Bari Kathawak Hummanaya Imaka Pema Ingammaaruwa Ithin Eta Passe Kekiri Lansupathiniyo Lanvee Maada Eyama Wiya Maddahana Maha Polowa Mama Nemei Mama Manikkawatha Meeduma Obai Miringu Ima Mudawapu Kirilli Muthu Pihatu Nedeyo Onna Ohe Menna Mehe Paradeesaya Pingala Danawwa Piya Geta Pela Pork Veediya Ran Mehesi Rata Pawula Raththaran Neth Ridee Siththam Sakala Vikala Samartha Sathi Pooja Shoba Sihina Piyapath Situ Gedara Star Sri Lanka Histhanak Subha Prarthana Suddilage Kathawa Sura Pura Sara Suwanda Para Nowe Swarnapalee Thalaya Soyana Geethaya Tharupaba Thuththiri Viyali

Beyond acting Wimalasiri began his career as a music teacher and later moved into dance instruction, serving as the dance teacher at D. S. Senanayake College.

Filmography

Year Film Roles Ref. 2003 Sonduru Dadabima Kamal Palihakkara 'Dhammika Pitigala' 2007 Uppalawanna Upuli's lover 2009 Sir Last Chance Arti 2013 Ira Laga Wadi Kumara 2023 Nattami Army Surā Kumara

Awards In 1997, Wimalasiri won the award for the Best Actor in Youth Awards Festival and State Drama Festival in 1998. He won the award for the Best Upcoming actor for the role in Rejina at Sumathi Awards. Then, he won the Silver Award for Asani Wesi at SIGNIS awards.

State Drama Festival