Dilhani Ekanayake is a multi-award-winning Sri Lankan actress often referred to as the "Sridevi of Sri Lanka" for her captivating smile and dancing skills. Since her debut in 1990, she has evolved from a commercial star to a powerhouse of serious cinema, earning accolades across major platforms like the Sarasaviya and Presidential Film Awards. Career Evolution: From Commercial Hits to Critical Acclaim
Dilhani began her journey with Yasapalitha Nanayakkara’s Dedunnen Samanaliyak (1990), winning the Best Upcoming Actress award. Her early career was defined by lighthearted commercial films and comedies such as Cheriyo Darling and Chaya Maya.
A major turning point occurred with Asoka Handagama’s Me Mage Sandai (2000), where she played an abandoned Tamil girl. This serious role redefined her career, leading to complex performances in:
Sudu Kalu Saha Alu (Shades of Grey): Won the Sarasaviya Best Actress award in 2005.
Sulanga (Wind): Earned her the Presidential Best Actress award in 2007.
Gamani: A 2011 war thriller that brought her both the Derana and Signis Gold awards for Best Actress. Comprehensive Filmography
Dilhani has appeared in over 100 films, ranging from children's stories to intense crime thrillers.
Best Family Film Of The Year . " අපේ ප්රින්සිපල් " - Facebook
Dilhani Ekanayake is a multi-award-winning Sri Lankan film and television actress known as the "Sridevi of Sri Lanka" for her captivating smile and dancing ability. Since her debut in 1990, she has appeared in over 100 films, transitioning from commercial comedy to critically acclaimed dramatic roles. Notable Filmography
Dilhani's career spans several decades, featuring a mix of box-office hits and artistic cinema. Early Breakthroughs & Commercial Hits: Dedunnen Samanaliyak
(1990): Her debut role which earned her the Sarasaviya Best Upcoming Actress award. Cheriyo Darling (1996): A popular comedy where she played "Miss Sweetie". Pissu Double Pissu Trible (2003): High-energy commercial comedies. Critically Acclaimed Performances: Me Mage Sandai
(2000): Directed by Asoka Handagama; her portrayal of an abandoned Tamil girl marked a major shift toward serious acting and won her the Presidential Best Actress award. Sudu Kalu Saha Alu (2005): Won her the Sarasaviya Best Actress Award.
(2005): Earned her the Presidential Best Actress and Signis Salutation awards.
(2011): A significant role for which she won Best Actress at the Derana Lux Film Awards. Dharmayuddhaya
(2017): Starring as Rani alongside Jackson Anthony in this popular remake of Drishyam. Recent and Upcoming Work (2024–2026): Ape Principal
(2023): Cited as one of the most popular family films of the year. Gouthama Buddha Matha (2024): A historical project directed by Sunil Ariyaratne. (2025): A satirical dark comedy addressing social taboos. Dharmayuddhaya 2
(2026): Reprising her role as Rani Harischandra in this anticipated sequel. (2026): Playing the older version of Sandalatha. Popular Videos & Media Presence
Dilhani remains a prominent figure in Sri Lankan media through digital platforms and annual events.
Dilhani Ashokamala Ekanayake is a multi-award-winning Sri Lankan film and TV actress, often referred to as the "Sridevi of Sri Lanka" due to her versatility and dancing ability. She has appeared in over 60 films since her debut in 1990. Award-Winning Performances
Ekanayake's career transitioned from popular commercial roles to acclaimed serious performances, earning her several major honors: Me Mage Sandai
(2001): Won the Presidential Film Award for Best Actress and a Silver Performance (Female) award at the Signis Salutation Awards. Sudu Kalu Saha Alu (2005): Won the Sarasaviya Best Actress Award. (2007): Earned the Presidential Award for Best Actress.
(2011/2012): Won the Gold Performance (Female) at the Signis Salutation Awards and the Best Actress Award at the First Derana Lux Film Awards. Ginnen Upan Seethala
(2019/2023): Won the Presidential Award for Best Supporting Actress. Selected Filmography
Her career spans diverse genres, from mainstream comedies to historical epics and intense dramas.
4. Uththara (2007)
- Role: Antagonist
- Director: Prasanna Vithanage
- Synopsis: A psychological drama about a woman’s descent into obsession and jealousy.
- Significance: This role proved her versatility. Playing against type as a villain, she received critical acclaim. The film was screened at multiple international film festivals, including the Mumbai Film Festival.
1. Uththara (2004)
Role: Kalyani
Significance: This period drama set in rural Sri Lanka showcased Ekanayake in a deglamorized role. She played a village schoolteacher torn between tradition and love. The film won several awards at the State Film Festival, and Ekanayake received her first Best Supporting Actress nomination.
8. Hitha Honda Family (2016)
- Role: Matriarch
- Director: Udayakantha Warnasuriya
- Synopsis: A family comedy-drama about three generations living under one roof.
- Significance: This film was a massive commercial success. Dilhani’s character became an icon of the “modern Sri Lankan mother.” Clips from the film’s dinner table arguments have accumulated over 5 million views collectively across social media.
6. Thank You Berty (2011)
- Role: Cameo
- Director: Tennyson Cooray
- Synopsis: A comedy-drama about a village simpleton.
- Significance: A lighthearted role that showcased her comedic timing. The film’s behind-the-scenes videos, featuring Dilhani laughing and breaking character, went viral on Derana TV’s digital platforms.
Sihina Piyapath (2011-2013)
Role: Nirmala
This supernatural teledrama was a ratings juggernaut. Ekanayake played a mother whose dead child returns as a spirit. Her scenes of grief and eventual madness are among the most shared popular videos on YouTube, with some clips exceeding 1 million views.