Quick Facts
Biography
Sanath Wimalasiri (සනත් විමලසිරි [Sinhala]) is an award winning actor in Sri Lankan cinema, theater and television. Highly versatile actor from drama to comedy, Wimalasiri is also a talented singer and a television host.
Personal life
He was born in 1974 in Kandy. His parents are retired aesthetic instructors. His brother, Mahinda Wimalasiri is also involved in drama. He completed education from St. Thomas' College, Matale and Kingswood College, Kandy. He is married to Vineetha Erandathi. The couple has two daughters. Vineetha is also a teacher works at Sri Jayewardenepura Balika Vidyalaya.
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 1996, 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 Potawe Isakkaluwa telecast on TV One.and Sanath Ekka Jeewitheta Idadenna.
Selected stage drams
- Dummala Warama
- Hasthikantha Manthare
- Mama Kamathima Chocolate Meya Asa Biscuit
- Maname
- Mandela Mandela
- Oba Sapekshai
- Raja Man Wahala
- Rathnawali
- Sinhabahu
Selected television serials
- Bhavathra
- Chaya
- Crime Scene
- Dedunu Sihina
- Diya Yata Gini
- Diya Sithuvam
- Eth Kanda Lihini
- Gimhana Tharanaya
- Girikula
- Heeye Manaya
- Imaka Pema
- Ithin Eta Passe
- Lansupathiniyo
- Maada Eyama Wiya
- Mama Nemei Mama
- Muthu Pihatu
- Onna Ohe Menna Mehe
- Paradeesaya
- Pingala Danawwa
- Ran Mehesi
- Raththarana Neth
- Shoba
- Situ Gedara
- Star Sri Lanka Histhanak
- Subha Prarthana
- Suddilage Kathawa
- Sura Pura Sara
- Thalaya Soyana Geethaya
- Tharupaba
- Thuththiri
Beyond acting
Initially he worked as the dance teacher in D. S. Senanayake College. Currently, he is a teacher of drama and theater at Rahula Girls' School, Malabe. He is also attached to the Sri Jayewardenepura Zonal Education Office as an Assistant Lecturer. He is also an external lecturer at the Faculty of Education, University of Colombo, lecturer in law at the National Institute of Law and in addition to being a consultant in manpower.
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
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Raja Man Wahala | Best Actor | Won |