Nita Fernando, born on September 5, 1947, in Negombo, Sri Lanka, is a renowned actress in Sri Lankan cinema, known for her remarkable contributions to the industry. She began her career with her debut in "Landaka Mahima" alongside Joe Abeywickrama in 1965 and went on to star in over 40 films, including notable works like "Duhulu Malak," "Lasanda," "Hadawath Neththo," "Mangala," "Wasana," and "Shanthi." Despite initial setbacks, including parental disapproval, she pursued her passion for acting and gained support from her uncle, eventually establishing herself as a prominent figure in Sri Lankan cinema.
Nita Fernando's personal life took a turn after her marriage to lawyer Elian Perera in 1975, leading her to temporarily leave the world of acting. She relocated to Canada, where she worked as a receptionist at the Montreal General Hospital. Nevertheless, her love for cinema persisted, and she made a brief return in 1983 when she produced and starred in "Sooriyakantha." However, it was her role as Violet in Prasanna Vithanage's "Pavuru Walalu" in 1998 that earned her international acclaim, including the Best Actress Award at the 1998 International Singapore Film Festival, the Vishwa Kirthie Award, Presidential Award, and the Critics Award in 1999, as well as the OCIC Award for Best Actress in 2000 in Sri Lanka. In 2020, she continued to receive recognition for her outstanding talent, winning the Best Actress award at the 2019 Nice International Film Festival in France. Nita Fernando's journey in the world of cinema remains a testament to her dedication and the enduring impact of her work.