Avanthi Aponsu

Goniya Malimage Awanthi Aponsu, widely recognized as Awanthi Aponsu and born on June 18, 1959, is a renowned Sri Lankan actress renowned for her prolific contributions to supporting roles in teledramas, films, and stage productions.She is notably the younger sibling of the esteemed Sri Lankan actor, Jayasekara Aponsu.

Personal Background

Aponsu entered the world in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka, and received her education at Gamini Central College. Her early life was spent in the Magasthota village vicinity of Nuwara Eliya, where she resided with her mother, two younger sisters, and a younger brother. During this time, her father and brother Jayasekara had relocated to Colombo. A significant figure in her life was her uncle, Edwin Peiris, a stageplay director in Nuwara Eliya, who had connections with Rohana Weerasinghe. Despite nurturing dreams of acting since her childhood, Awanthi believed her extreme shyness hindered her from pursuing this passion. She initially aspired to become a nurse. It wasn't until she concluded her studies and relocated to Colombo in 1979 that she mustered the courage to venture into acting. Under the guidance of her brother Jayasekara, she embarked on her acting journey, undergoing six months of preparation before making her stage debut alongside Jayantha Ketagoda.

Married to Yagath Jayasuriya, Aponsu's family is deeply intertwined with the world of acting. Notable figures among her siblings include Jayasekara Aponsu, Gamini Aponsu, and Nirmada Aponsu, all celebrated actors. A practicing Theravada Buddhist, she shares her life journey with her daughter, Kavya Jayasuriya, who was born on May 22, 1992. Kavya exchanged vows with Pahan Thillakaratne on November 14, 2018, with the momentous event graced by the presence of then-President of Sri Lanka, Maithripala Sirisena. Currently, the couple resides in Victoria, Australia.