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Early Life:
- Birth and Family: Shalani Tharaka Wijayabandara, popularly known as Shalani Tharaka, was born on November 15, 1990, in Balangoda, Sri Lanka.
- Parents: Her father, Susantha Wijayabandara, and mother, Suraji Fernando, who is a beautician by profession.
- Education: Tharaka attended St. Agnes Convent in Balangoda for her primary education. Later, she moved to Negombo, her mother’s hometown, where she continued her education at Newstead Girls College. Here, she studied both Western and Kandyan dancing styles, showcasing her early interest in the performing arts.
Career Beginnings and Pageant Win:
- Sirasa Kumariya: At the age of seventeen in 2007, Shalani Tharaka won the prestigious Sri Lankan beauty pageant, Sirasa Kumariya, organized by Sirasa TV. This win marked her entry into the limelight and kickstarted her career in the entertainment industry.
- Acting Debut: Her debut in acting came through the television serial “Poojasanaya” directed by Sherly P. Delankawala. She starred alongside Suraj Mapa in this series.
- Television Roles: Tharaka has appeared in numerous popular television serials spanning various genres, including “Isuru Bawana,” “Hansi,” “Giridevi,” “Api Api Wage” (I & II), “Ganga Addara,” and “Sanda Sanda Wage,” establishing herself as one of the most renowned actresses on Sri Lankan television.[4][5]
- Dancing and Modeling: Alongside her acting career, she has showcased her talents in dancing and modeling. Tharaka has been part of TV commercials for brands like Hero Honda, Raino, and Janet. She has also appeared in music videos such as “Oya Dese” by Prinyan, “Mata Oya” by D n S, and “Wasthuwe” by Shafee ft. Delon.[1]
Transition to Cinema and Recognition:
- Film Debut: Shalani Tharaka made her entry into Sri Lankan cinema in 2012 with the movie “Selvam,” where she portrayed the character “Medhavi.”
- Lead Roles: She went on to star in the lead role in the horror film “Spandana,” showcasing her versatility as an actress.
- Dancing Competitions: Tharaka participated in the second season of “Sirasa Dancing Stars” and “Hiru Super Dancer,” displaying her skills as a dancer.[8]
- Awards and Honors:
- On September 19, 2020, at the 16th Raigam Tele’es ceremony, she achieved a remarkable feat by winning both the Best Teledrama Actress and Most Popular Teledrama Actress awards simultaneously. This achievement was a rare milestone, marking her talent and popularity in the industry.[9]
- In 2021, Shalani Tharaka was featured in the Raffealla Fernando Celebrity Calendar alongside other notable Sri Lankan celebrities. This was considered a prestigious honor, recognizing her contributions and status as a prominent public figure.[10]
Other Notable Contributions:
- Authorship: In addition to her work in entertainment, Shalani Tharaka is also known as a lyricist and author, showcasing her creativity and versatility in various artistic endeavors.
Personal Life and Philanthropy:
- Shalani Tharaka Wijayabandara’s journey from a young beauty pageant winner to a renowned actress and model in Sri Lanka has been marked by talent, dedication, and versatility.
- Her popularity in the Sri Lankan entertainment industry, coupled with her contributions to dancing, acting, modeling, and even writing, has made her a well-loved figure among audiences.
- Tharaka’s ability to portray diverse roles on screen, her wins at prestigious awards ceremonies, and her ongoing involvement in various creative ventures have solidified her status as one of the leading actresses in Sri Lanka’s entertainment landscape.
