Lifetime Cey-Cine Award
Sriyani Amarasena is a revered figure in Sri Lankan cinema, with a career spanning over six decades as an actress, producer, director, and writer. Her journey in the entertainment industry began during her school years, where she first showcased her acting talent in stage dramas such as “Hathara Beeri Kathawa” and “Koheda Yanne Rukmani.” These early performances opened the door to greater opportunities, and she soon joined the “Lama Mandapaya” program on the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), gaining exposure to a wider audience.
Amarasena’s first significant stage role came in P.D.L. Perera’s drama “Thammanna,” but it was her role in Dayananda Gunawardena’s “Naribana” that truly catapulted her to fame. This performance established her as a talented actress capable of delivering powerful, nuanced roles. She continued to impress audiences with her work in other stage dramas, including “Hitha Honda Ammandi” and “Ves Muhunu.”
Her entry into the world of cinema began with a minor role in the feature film “Wings Over Ceylon,” directed by Pagngnasoma Hettiarachchi. However, her real breakthrough in film came after her marriage, when she starred in the blockbuster “Golu Hadawatha” in 1968. This role marked her entry into mainstream cinema and paved the way for her to become one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated actresses. Over the years, she delivered critically acclaimed performances in films such as “Desa Nisa,” “Ahasin Polawata,” “Viragaya,” and “Mahagedara,” earning a reputation for her dramatic prowess.
Amarasena was also successful in commercial cinema, with notable roles in films like “Kalyani Ganga” and “Raththaran Amma.” Her versatility as an actress was recognized when she received the prestigious Sarasaviya Award in 1993 for her role in “Kulageya.” This recognition further cemented her status as a leading figure in Sri Lankan cinema.
Beyond acting, Amarasena made significant contributions as a producer and director. She ventured into television with the production of the teledrama “Dath Kekulu Pala” and later produced three more television serials: “Ira Bata Taruwa,” “Hemanthaye Wasanthayak,” and “Hangi Muttham.” These works were partly shot in London, catering to the Sri Lankan diaspora in England. Her directorial projects also extended internationally, with the series “Peraliya” shot in Australia and “Thusharaye Chaya” shot in the USA. In 2011, she directed the serial “Mayura Asapuwa.”
In recognition of her immense contributions to the arts, Amarasena was honored with the Janabhimani Honorary Award in 2019 and the ‘Deshabhimani Keerthi Kalabushana’ award in 2021. Affectionately known as “Sriyavi,” her dedication to the industry has been both impressive and inspiring, especially for women aspiring to succeed in cinema.
The Ceylon International Film Festival in Santa Barbara honors her with the Lifetime Cey-Cine Award, recognizing her exceptional career and lasting impact on Sri Lankan cinema. This award not only celebrates her achievements but also highlights the empowerment of women in the industry, a cause she has championed throughout her career.