Thousands of miles lie ahead, yet with unwavering determination, she soared towards her goal like an eagle, never straying until she reached the pinnacle. This is the story of none other than Woshika Perera. Known as a singer and an actress, she has won the hearts of many. Her journey began like the first note of a melody. As time passed—minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day, week by week and month by month—her musical path blossomed into a symphony of golden melodies. Let me weave her story through her own inspiring words and heartfelt reflections.
With a deepening passion for music, she studied the art at school before formally embarking on her musical journey under the guidance of the esteemed musician Dr. Rohana Weerasinghe. Classical music fascinated her.
“I studied at MattegodaVidyadeepa College, where I met a guiding star—my music teacher, Sandya Elapatha. One day, she walked into our classroom and asked the students to sing. I was just eight-years old at the time. When she heard me sing, she was impressed and admired my voice. Realising my talent, she encouraged me to compete in all-island competitions.”
Her words flowed straight from her heart. It was through these early experiences that Woshika became known among her relatives and friends as a singer.
“One of my father’s friends once told him that I could sing beautifully. Encouraged by this, my father enrolled me in Dr. Rohana Weerasinghe’s ‘Kala Bhuumi’ music class. I joined the class at the age of eight,” she recalled.
Childhood memories
Childhood memories are precious, filling our hearts with nostalgia. Looking back on those days, she shared a particularly touching moment:
“I longed for a violin back then. I still remember making one out of cardboard.”
Life-changing moments shape the course of our journey. For Woshika, a defining moment came with her debut performance in the teleplay Sidadiye Samanaliyo, which served as a springboard to incredible achievements. With this opportunity, she stepped into the limelight.
“When I was first given the opportunity, I wasn’t confident in my acting abilities. But my mother and friends encouraged me to take up the challenge. Interestingly, the role I played was close to my heart—I portrayed the character of a musician. Music is my life, my greatest passion.”
This debut not only introduced her to a wider audience but also exposed her to veteran actors, allowing her to learn from the best.
“I had the chance to work with legendary artistes of the likes of Yashoda Wimaladharma, Vishwajith Gunasekara and Dhananjaya. They were incredibly supportive, helping me build my acting skills and character. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would share the screen with such senior artistes, but it became a reality,” she said.
Beyond her acting career, Woshika’s life has been filled with many remarkable experiences. The bond between her and music is unbreakable and inseparable. A single strum of her guitar breathes life into her soul and a single note of a melody awakens her deepest emotions.
Among the many reality programs she participated in, Siyatha Voice of Asia stands out. She made it to the final 16, a testament to her exceptional talent.
“I remember participating in the blind auditions. Unexpectedly, all four chairs turned for me. It was an unforgettable moment,” she said.
Mesmerising an audience with one’s voice is no easy task—it must be unique, powerful and unforgettable. And Woshika Perera has certainly mastered that art.
Kamare
No doubt that you must have heard of the song Kamare, lyrics and music by Woshika herself. Flavoured with Woshika’s voice and melody, this is what you should never miss out.
“I gave the song to Gayan Randy Perera. I am grateful to my parents, Chamara Janaraj Peiris and everyone who supported me.”
Picture: Thilak Perera
