Sedhavi Mudiyanselage Damitha Buddhini Abeyratne Bandara (born 14 September 1975), popularly as Damitha Abeyratne, is a Sri Lankan film and teledrama actress.

Career

She schooled at Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya, Nugegoda and St. Paul’s Girls School, Milagiriya. In 1987, she made her acting debut as an eight-year-old in the teledrama Passe Gena Manamali and later appeared in her first film Meeharaka directed by I. Hewawasam in 1993. However, she only played a significant role with Inoka Sathyangani's 2003 film Sulang Kirilli. This won her the Sarasaviya Best Actress Award, SIGNIS Best Actress Award and many other international awards. She was also won awards for the dramatic roles of Dandubasnamanaya television series and Mee Haraka film. Abeyratne played her debut role as director with the teledrama serial Sasara Sarani, where she was the producer as well. She also played the title role in Batti teledrama, which broadcast on ITN.

Arrests and Controversies

In 2012, an intimate relationship between Abeyratne and Ven. Ruwanwelle Sobhitha thero was revealed after radio station Neth F.M. Balumgala broadcast several vulgar tapes of the alleged monk, trying to recruit a personal secretary. In 2013, actress Semini Iddamalgoda sued Abeyratne for Rs 50 million having allegedly defamed her during an interview with a Ran F.M. radio channel. In 2014, Abeyratne demanded Rs. 100 million as damages from Iddamalgoda for allegedly defaming her. The case was taken at the Colombo District Court on 24 February 2014. On 14 October 2014, both withdrew their civil suits. On 5 November 2015, she was asked to make a statement due to a complaint on fraud and corruption at Sri Lanka Airlines. She went to Presidential Commission of Inquiry to Investigate and Inquire into Serious Acts of Fraud, Corruption and Abuse of Power and State Resources and Privileges (PRECIFAC) and made a statement regarding a irregularity in food supply for a show. In 2022, Abeyratne was arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department for forcibly entering the presidents secretariat and obstructing the duties of the police officers during 2022 Sri Lankan protests. In February 2024, musician Iraj Weeraratne unraveled a massaging scandal involving Abeyratne and two months later, Abeyratne and her spouse were arrested by the Criminal Investigation Department facing charges related to a fraud amounting to Rs 3 million, falsely promising employment opportunities in South Korea.

Filmography

Notable television works

• Ambu Daruwo • Ammai Thaththai • Anantha • Apuru Sahodaraya • Batti • Bharyawo • Bhavana - Thunkal Mayawa • Bhavathra • Chakrandi • Dandubasnamanaya • Depath Nai • Deveni Athmaya • Hada Pudasuna • Hitha Langa Hinahuna • Ingi Bingi • Issaraha Gedara • Jodu Gedara • Kokila Ginna • Kiripabalu Vila • Nedeyo • Nisala Diya Sasala Viya • Nisala Vilthera • Passe Gena Manamali • Pata Sarungal • Pork Veediya • Prakampana • Rathi Virathi • Raththarana Neth • Rejina • Ridee Tharaka • Sadisi Tharanaya • Sahas Gaw Dura • Salsapuna • Sanda Dev Diyani • Sandagira • Sasara Sarani • Senehewanthayo • Sihinaya Wasanthayak • Sikuru Wasanthe • Situwarayo • Sulanga Maha Meraka • Sulangata Madivee • Suwanda Obai Amme • Swayanjatha • Varana Kambili • Wala Wettuwa • Wansakkarayo

Awards and accolades

She has won several awards at the local theater, television and film festivals.

SIGNIS OCIC Awards

Swarna Sanka Awards

Presidential Film Awards

Sarasaviya Awards

Sumathi Awards

Dhaka International Film Festival

Tamil Nadu International Film Festival

Raigam Tele'es