Manike Attanayake

Manike Attanayake, born on August 23, 1947, with the full name Kala Suri Attanayake Mudiyanselage Podi Manike, is a renowned actress in Sri Lankan cinema, theater, and television. She is most recognized for her role in the television serial "Palingu Manike." In 1987, she achieved a significant honor, becoming the youngest Sri Lankan to receive the prestigious "Kalasuri" award.

Manike was born in Thalwatte, Kandy, as the youngest among five siblings. Her father, Wilson Attanayake, was a well-known actor in Kandy's Sokeri theater, working at Cargills Company. Her mother, Ran Manike Attanayake, was a homemaker. She completed her education at Senkadagala Maha Vidyalaya (now known as D. S. Senanayaka College) and Mahamaya Girls' College in Kandy. One of her elder sisters, Kumari Manike, also pursued a career in acting and appeared in many stage dramas.

She is married to Raja Attanayake, a retired police officer, and the couple has two sons and one daughter.

Manike's acting journey began with the theater group "Ranga Shilpa Shalika" at Lionel Wendt Art Centre. Under the mentorship of renowned dramatist Dhamma Jagoda, she honed her skills and adopted the stage name "Manike Attanayake." Her debut stage performance was in Ediriweera Sarachchandra's "Maname" in 1976. In addition to her acting prowess, she showcased her singing talent in various styles such as Noorthi, Nadagam, and Classical at the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation.

Throughout her career, she became a prominent figure in Sri Lankan television and acted in several popular serials like "Ella Langa Walawwa," "Yashorawaya," "Parana Tawuma," "Nelli Gedara," and "Anu Nawayen Nawaya," in addition to her breakthrough role in "Palingu Manike."

In the realm of cinema, her first cinematic appearance was in the 1981 film "Sudda," directed by Rathnaweera De Silva. While primarily known for her supporting roles, she contributed to various successful films, including "Niliyakata Pem Kalemi," "Seilama," and "Parliament Jokes."