Damitha Abeyratne
Damitha Abeyratne | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 14, 1975 Sri Lanka |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Known for | Sulang Kirilli, Mee Haraka, Dandubasnamanaya |
Sedhavi Mudiyanselage Damitha Buddhini Abeyratne Bandara (; born 14 September 1975), widely recognized as Damitha Abeyratne, is a distinguished actress in Sri Lankan cinema and television drama.
Career
Abeyratne pursued her education at Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya and St. Paul’s Girls School, Milagiriya. She began her acting journey in 1987, appearing as a child artist in the television drama Passe Gena Manamali. Her cinematic debut occurred in 1993 with the film Meeharaka, directed by I. Hewawasam. She achieved notable acclaim for her role in Inoka Sathyangani’s 2003 production Sulang Kirilli, which earned her the Sarasaviya Best Actress Award, SIGNIS Best Actress Award, alongside various international accolades. Additionally, she was honored for her work in the TV series Dandubasnamanaya and the film Mee Haraka.
Broadening her contributions within the entertainment field, Abeyratne ventured into directing by producing and helming the teledrama serial Sasara Sarani. She also played the lead character in the teledrama Batti, which was aired on ITN.
Arrests and Controversies
In 2012, reports emerged regarding a personal relationship between Abeyratne and Ven. Ruwanwelle Sobhitha thero after Neth F.M. Balumgala broadcast recordings allegedly featuring the monk attempting to appoint a personal secretary.
The following year, actress Semini Iddamalgoda filed a Rs 50 million defamation lawsuit against Abeyratne based on comments made during an interview on Ran F.M. In response, Abeyratne lodged a counter-defamation claim amounting to Rs 100 million in 2014. Both legal actions were subsequently retracted on 14 October 2014.
On 5 November 2015, Abeyratne provided testimony to the Presidential Commission investigating corruption and fraudulent activities within Sri Lanka Airlines, specifically relating to irregularities in catering services during an event.
During the 2022 Sri Lankan protests, she was detained by the Criminal Investigation Department for allegedly forcefully entering the president’s secretariat and impeding police operations.
In early 2024, musician Iraj Weeraratne revealed a massage-related controversy involving Abeyratne. Two months later, both she and her spouse were arrested by the CID on accusations of defrauding Rs 3 million through false promises of employment opportunities in South Korea.
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Mee Haraka | Soma |
| 1999 | Mandakini | |
| 2003 | Sulang Kirilli | Rathi |
| 2007 | Nisala Gira | Poddi |
| 2008 | Adara Meena | Also Playback singer |
| 2009 | Ekamath Eka Rateka | |
| 2010 | Dakina Dakina Mal | Mandakini |
| 2010 | Sthuthi Nawatha Enna | |
| 2010 | Bambara Walalla | Kumari |
| 2010 | Ira Handa Yata | LTTE female cadre |
| 2011 | Sinhawalokanaya | Sirimal Ethana |
| 2011 | Gamani | Crouched shooter |
| 2013 | Samanala Sandhawaniya | Punya's roommate |
| 2014 | Rupantharana | Radha |
| 2015 | Maharaja Gemunu | Rohini |
| 2015 | Pravegaya | Brando's wife |
| 2015 | Suhada Koka | Lady in queue |
| 2016 | July 7 | Damitha |
| 2016 | Ulath Ekai Pilath Ekai | Roshan's Mother |
| 2016 | Maya 3D | Shantha's fiancée |
| 2019 | Jaya Sri Amathithuma | Mrs. Galigamuwa |
| 2020 | Seda Mawathe | Samanthi |
| 2022 | Hithumathe Jeewithe | Rasika |
| 2023 | Thattu Deke Iskole | |
| 2023 | Midunu Vishwaya | Dr. Mahadewa's wife |
| 2024 | Sihinayaki Adare | |
| 2024 | Sri Siddha | |
| 2025 | Ice Cream | |
| 2025 | Bahuchithawadiya | Kanthi |
Honors and Recognitions
She has been honored with numerous awards across local theater, television, and cinema festivals.
- 2005 - Vishva Keerthi Award in recognition of securing two international accolades for the motion picture Sulang Kirilli
- 2005 - Outstanding Young Personality, awarded by Junior Chamber Sri Lanka, acknowledging her artistic contributions
SIGNIS OCIC Awards
|- || 1995 ||| Dandubasnamanaya || Best Actress || |- || 2003 ||| Sulang Kirilli || Best Actress || |- || 2010 ||| Dakina Dakina Mal || Best Actress ||
Swarna Sanka Awards
|- || 1995 ||| Mee Haraka || Best Supporting Actress ||
Presidential Film Awards
|- || 2005 ||| Sulang Kirilli || Best Actress ||
Sarasaviya Awards
|- || 1996 ||| Mee Haraka || Merit Award || |- || 2004 ||| Sulang Kirilli || Best Actress || |- || 2015 ||| Pravegaya || Best Supporting Actress ||
Sumathi Awards
|- || 2006 ||| Keli Madala || Best Actress Award || |-
Dhaka International Film Festival
|- || 2004 ||| Sulang Kirilli || Best Actress Award || |-
Tamil Nadu International Film Festival
|- || 2004 ||| Sulang Kirilli || Best Actress Award || |-
Raigam Tele'es
|- || 2012 ||| Swayanjatha || Best Actress || |-