Veteran announcer and actress Ramya Vanigasekara, aged 73, passed away on Friday at the Colombo National Hospital while undergoing treatment for an illness. Her remains will be brought to the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) at 2.30 pm today. The funeral will be held at 3.00 p.m. today at the General Cemetery, Borella.
Vanigasekara was one of the most experienced newscasters in the SLBC and had made significant contributions to stage, teledrama, and cinema.
She was widely recognised for her exceptional talent and versatility in the entertainment industry.
Born as the fifth child in a family of seven siblings in Kotiyakumbura, Kegalle, Vanigasekara began her primary education at Kotiyakumbura Ampe Maha Vidyalaya. She completed her education at Royal College, Ruwanwella.
Her journey in the entertainment industry commenced in 1974 when she appeared as a background singer in the stage play Hevaya. Over the years, she showcased her acting prowess in numerous productions, including Ranjith Dharmakeerthi’s Hasthiraja Mahathmaya and Master Premasiri Kemadasa’s Angara Ganga Gala Basii.
Vanigasekara’s breakthrough role came in 1978 when she portrayed Gunavathi in Mana Ranjana Veda Varjana, directed by Chula Kariyawasam. She gained widespread acclaim for her portrayal of Matilda in her late husband, veteran dramatist R. R. Samarakoon’s iconic stage play Kelani Paalama.
Throughout her illustrious career, Vanigasekara graced the stage in several other notable productions, including Sanda Kinduri, Muhudu Puththu, Ma Hene Hiri Yaka, and Raja Kathawa. She made a significant impact on the television industry.
From 1981 until her retirement in 2006, Vanigasekara served as a regular news anchor for the SLBC.
Ramya Vanigasekara leaves a rich legacy in Sri Lanka’s entertainment industry, remembered fondly by colleagues, fans, and audiences alike.
