Shalani Tharaka

Gonakumbura Pangukarage Shalani Tharaka Wijayabandara, popularly known as Shalani Tharaka (born 15 November 1990), is a Sri Lankan actress and model. One of the most popular television actresses in Sri Lanka, Tharaka holds the title for the Sri Lankan beauty pageant Sirasa Kumariya which she won in 2007. Apart from acting, she is also a dancer, lyricist and author.

Personal life Shalani Tharaka was born on 15 November 1990 in Balangoda, Sri Lanka. Her mother Suraji Fernando is an actress in Sinhala cinema and television. Shalani completed education from Newstead Girls College, Negambo.

Career In 2007, when she was seventeen years old, she won the beauty pageant Sirasa Kumariya organized by Sirasa TV which brought her into mainstream popularity. Her maiden acting came through the television serial Poojasanaya directed by Sherly P. Delankawala. Her co-star in Poojasanaya was Suraj Mapa. Later she acted in many television serials in several genre such as Isuru Bawana, Hansi, Giridevi, Api Api Wage (I & II), Ganga Addara and Sanda Sanda Wage which gained popularity.

Apart from teledramas she has also contributed in the TV commercials for Hero Honda, Raino and Janet. She has also played parts in music videos such as Oya Dese by Prinyan, Mata Oya by D n S, Wasthuwe by Shafee ft. Delon.

In 2012, Tharaka made her maiden cinema appearance in the movie Selvam. She played the role of "Medhavi". Later she appeared in lead role in the horror film Spandana. She also contested in the second season of Sirasa Dancing Stars as well as Hiru Super Dancer.

On 19 September 2020, she was awarded both Best teledrama actress and Most popular teledrama actress at 16th Raigam Tele'es ceremony. It was the first time in 24 years where one actress won both awards at the same time. In 2021, she appeared in the Raffealla Fernando Celebrity Calendar along with many other Sri Lankan celebrities which is considered as one of the highest civilian honours awarded to an individual.

Selected Television series Adara Sandawaniya Ahanna Kenek Na A/L Iwarai Ashandimitha Giridevi Haara Kotiya Handuna Gaththoth Oba Ma Hansi Isuru Bhawana Kutu Kutu Mama Mage Adara Awanaduwa Sanda Pini Bidaka Sanda Sanda Wage Sihina Piyapath Thapparayak Denna Thara Tharu Ahasata Adarei Veeduru Thira Wassanaye Premaya

Filmography

Year Film Roles Ref. 2012 Selvam Medhavi 2016 Spandana Mayumi 2018 Nela Nela 2023 Viyasiduru Taniya Star

Awards Sumathi Awards

Raigam Tele'es

Derana Film Awards

SIGNIS OCIC Awards