Swarna Mallawarachchi, also known as the "Golden Star of Sinhalese Cinema," is a renowned actress in Sri Lankan cinema. Born on August 1, 1948, in Kosgas Junction, Grandpass, Colombo, she completed her education at Vijayaba Maha Vidyalaya, Grandpass.
Swarna's acting career began at a young age when she starred in the blockbuster film "Sath Samudura" directed by Siri Gunasinghe while still a schoolgirl in 1966. Over a span of more than 40 years, Swarna has achieved remarkable success, winning the prestigious 'Best Actress Award' 26 times, the highest record for a Sri Lankan actress.
In the 1970s, Swarna briefly left Sri Lankan cinema and lived abroad. Upon her return after a four-year absence, she encountered a wave of new actresses in the industry. During this period, she accepted supporting roles in films, yet remarkably received Best Actress awards for her exceptional performances.
One of Swarna's notable roles came in 1983 when she portrayed the main character 'Ranmali' in the thriller drama film "Dadayama" directed by Vasantha Obeysekera. Her performance garnered positive reviews from critics, and she received the Best Actress award at the Sarasaviya Awards for her portrayal.
Beyond her acting career, Swarna has actively championed women's rights as the UNHCR ambassador for Sri Lanka since 2004. Her contributions to cinema have been recognized with numerous awards, including Presidential Awards, OCIC Awards, Sarasaviya Awards, Swarna Sanka Awards, Hiru Golden Film Awards, Sumathi Awards, and other prestigious accolades.
Swarna Mallawarachchi's talent and unique acting prowess are evident in her memorable roles in films such as "Dadayama," "Suddilage Kathawa," "Bava Duka / Bava Karma," and "Sagara Jalaya." She has left an indelible mark on the Sri Lankan film industry and continues to be celebrated for her significant contributions.