Michelle Dilhara

Hatharasinghege Michelle Dilhara, known as මිෂෙල් දිල්හාරා in Sinhala, was born on May 1, 1996. She is a prominent Sri Lankan actress and environmentalist.[1][2] Renowned as one of the most popular television actresses in Sri Lanka, Dilhara is best recognized for her portrayal of "Ayoma" in the hit TV series "Sudu Andagena Kalu Awidin."[3][4][5][6] Beyond her acting career, she actively engages in philanthropic endeavors, serves as a social activist, and is an accomplished author.[7]

In 2019, Dilhara received the National Youth Icon Award at the World Youth Summit in New Delhi, India, for her book titled "Social Invisibility is not a Fiction, it Exists" and her "Theory of Alternative Social Cogwheel."[8][9][10] In 2020, Dilhara was honored with the Best Upcoming Actress award at the Raigam Tele'es awards ceremony for her role in the critically acclaimed serial "Sudu Andagena Kalu Awidin."[11] She also received the Best Upcoming Actress award at the 2019 Sumathi Awards for the same role, along with the State Award at the 15th Television State Award festival in 2021. In 2020, Dilhara was nominated for Best Actress at the 26th Sumathi Awards for her role as "Mahimi" in the television series "Can You Hear Me." In 2021, she received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the Raigam Tele'es awards for her role in the television series "Pork Veediya." In 2022, she was once again nominated for the Best Supporting Actress award at the Raigam Tele'es for her role in the serial "Lokaa."

Currently, Dilhara serves as the Earth Day Network Ambassador for Sri Lanka.[13] She is also a strong advocate and promoter of net-zero and carbon neutrality initiatives. She collaborated with the Korean Ambassador, Santhuth Woonjin Jeong, to establish a framework for implementing Sustainable Development Goal 13, the net-zero initiative within the Korean Embassy in Sri Lanka.[14][15][16]

Personal Life

Dilhara was born on May 1, 1996, in Ragama, as the eldest of three siblings. She has two younger sisters, Mishen Prasadika and Rochelle Fiona. Her father, Hatharasinghege Premawardena, is a businessman, and her mother, E. Jean Stella Fernando, is a housewife. Dilhara commenced her education at Negombo South International School and later attended Newstead Girls College, Negombo, for her G.C.E O/L and A/L studies.[17][18]

During her school years, at the age of 11, Dilhara began practicing martial arts and Karate-do-Shitokai under Sensei Rohan P. Udayakumara. She also participated in several local and international Karate championships, earning numerous medals. In 2010, she secured the gold medal at the 2nd International Gōjū-ryū Karate Open Championship.

Currently, Dilhara is pursuing an External Degree in IT and a Higher National Diploma in Psychology.[3] She is also enrolled in a course on Nurturing Care Framework for Early Childhood Development at the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, led by Senior Lecturer Duminda Guruge.[19][20]

Acting Career

Dilhara's journey in the field of drama began as a member of her school's drama team, where she performed on the school stage on several occasions.[21][22] After completing her A/L examination, she joined Abhina Academy, led by veteran artist Anoja Weerasinghe, in July 2016. Dilhara considers Weerasinghe her first mentor in acting, where she honed her skills in yoga, voice control, and facial expressions. Later, in October 2016, she joined Damayanthi Fonseka's acting Academy to further develop her skills in emotional balancing and character adaptation in drama. In June 2017, she joined Abhiranga Art Center Negombo, conducted by Randika Wimalasooriya, to deepen her knowledge of drama and theater. During this period, she had the opportunity to study under the guidance of Indian Theater Director, Ujjwal Singha.

Dilhara made her teledrama debut in 2016 in "Dedunnai Adare," directed by Saranga Mendis. She gained recognition with her role in the popular television serial "Salsapuna," directed by Nalan Mendis and aired on Sirasa TV. Her character, "Preethiwa" or "Podi Paththarakari," became particularly popular among viewers. During the same period, she took on the leading role in the mobile drama "Dhara," produced by Susila Productions.[23][24]

In 2017, Dilhara was cast in the television serial "Poori," directed by Ranil Kulasinghe and broadcasted on Independent Television Network, where she played the role of a village girl named "Maali."[5][25] In the same year, she appeared in the fantasy teledrama "Bodhi," directed by Sanjaya Nirmal and aired on Sirasa TV, portraying the character "Goddess Kali."[17] In late 2017, she starred in the serial "Emy" as the titular character, earning acclaim for her performance.[27][28]

In 2018, Dilhara appeared in the popular serial "Sidu," broadcasted on TV Derana and directed by Thilina Boralessa. She portrayed the "daylight angel" who aided and protected the character Sidu during his journey with the little monk Soratha. Concurrently, she acted in the science fiction television serial "Thuththiri," where she played the role of "Urmila," directed by Sanjaya Nirmal. This drama is known as the first Sci-Fi comedy mega drama in Sri Lanka.[29][24]

In 2019, Dilhara made significant appearances in several television serials of various genres. She starred in the critically acclaimed serial "Sudu Andagena Kalu Awidin," broadcasted on Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and directed by Sunil Costa. Dilhara's portrayal of "Ayoma," a teenage girl facing life's hardships, marked a major breakthrough in her television career, earning her three Best Upcoming Actress awards at the Raigam Tele'es and State Television Awards.[34][35] In addition to this, she appeared in the serial "Haratha Hera," directed by Chandika Wijayasena, portraying the character of a wealthy girl named "Pabasara."[36][37]

Midway through 2019, she took on the role of "Kaweesha" in the television series "Dadayam Bambaru," directed by Sanjaya Nirmal and aired on Swarnavahini.[38] Later in the same year, she acted in the television serial "Kisa," directed by Nimal Rathnayake, playing her second leading role