By: Isuru Parakrama
June 09, Colombo (LNW): Beloved and iconic artiste Iranganie Serasinghe celebrates her 99th birthday today (June 09), marking nearly a century of life and over seven decades of pioneering contribution to Sri Lankan cinema, theatre, and television.
Born Iranganie Roxanna Meedeniya in 1927, she remains one of Sri Lanka’s most respected and beloved actresses, recognised for her unparalleled talent, grace, and devotion to the arts.
Early Life and Family Background
Iranganie Serasinghe was born on June 09, 1927, in Mudungomuwa, Ruwanwella, Sri Lanka. She came from a distinguished family with deep political roots: her paternal grandfather was J. H. Meedeniya Adigar, who was elected unopposed to the State Council for Ruwanwella, and her uncles included renowned figures D. R. Wijewardena and Sir Francis Molamure. Her father, Joseph Hercules Meedeniya, served as Rate Mahatmaya of Ratnapura.
She attended Bishop’s College in Colombo and Girls’ High School in Kandy, where she played in several end-of-term plays and took a leading role in Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion.
Educational Journey and Drama Training
Against her father’s wishes, Iranganie entered the University of Colombo in 1947 with support from her cousins. During her university years, she immersed herself in the Ceylon theatre scene under the guidance of Professor E. F. C. Ludowyk and became a proficient dancer through lessons from Chitrasena.
She became the first Sri Lankan actress to receive academic training in acting, pioneering a path for future performers:
She traveled to London with letters of recommendation from Ludowyk and received help from celebrated actresses Flora Robson and Sybil Thorndike during her training.
Theatre Career: From 1948 to Present
Serasinghe made her theatre debut in 1948 in Professor Cuthbject Amarasinghe’s production of The Second Mrs. Tanqueray at the University of Colombo, where she played the lead role. This was originally a Broadway production from 1893 starring Mrs Patrick Campbell.
Her theatrical career flourished at the newly opened Lionel Wendt Theatre (December 1953), where she opened with Maxim Gorky’s The Lower Depths, playing Nastya. She became particularly fond of Jean Anouilh’s Antigone, considering it alongside Lady Macbeth “one of the most formidable women in Western theatre”.
She transitioned from English theatre to Sinhala theatre, appearing in Henry Jayasena’s Apata Puthe Magak Nethe and Damma Jagoda’s Sinhala version of A Streetcar Named Desire, Ves Muhunu, and Porisadaya.
Cinematic Debut and Breakthrough
Serasinghe began her cinema career in 1960 with Lester James Peries’ “Be Safe or Be Sorry” for the Government Film Unit. Peries subsequently cast her in his debut feature film Rekava (1956) as a mother character named ‘Kathirinahamy’ (Kathrina).
Her debut performance in Rekava earned her the Deepashikha Award for Best Actress in 1956, marking the beginning of her legendary screen career. Rekava (“Line of Destiny”) has achieved iconic status in Sri Lankan cinema, premiering on December 28, 1956, at the Regal Cinema in Ceylon Theatre.
Iconic Film Roles
Throughout her career spanning dozens of films, Serasinghe became recognised for playing motherly figures in various films and television serials. Her most notable roles include:
She also appeared in classics like Gamperaliya and Nidhanaya, cementing her status as a pioneering figure in Sri Lankan cinema.
Recent Films (2017–2025)
Her career continues into the present, with roles in:
- Kalu Hima (2018) as Grandmother
- The Wind Beneath Us (2018) as Grand Mother
- Guththila (2023)
- Minnu (2024)
- Theja (2025)
Television Career
Serasinghe became a beloved presence on Sri Lankan television, particularly known for motherly and grandmotherly roles:
| Year | Television Series | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | Yashorawaya | Suduhamine |
| 1990–1995 | Doo Daruwo | Dulsey/Sudu Aachchi |
| 2018 | Thaththa | Prison officer’s stepmother |
| 2020 | Sihini | Rich bed-ridden old lady isolated by children |
She became affectionately known as “the mother of all our mothers” in Sri Lankan television.
Awards and National Honours
Serasinghe’s contributions have been recognised with numerous prestigious awards:
In January 2026, a commemorative stamp marking 100 years of Sri Lankan cinema featuring Iranganie Serasinghe’s image was unveiled at the National Film Corporation, described as a tribute to her invaluable contribution to the country’s cinematic heritage.
Personal Life
Marriages
- First marriage: To a contemporary student at University of Colombo (divorced)
- Second marriage: To Professor S. B. Dissanayake (a specialist dentist), which did not last long
- Third marriage: To fellow actor Winston Serasinghe, during which she played English stage plays. There was a 17-year age gap between them. Winston appeared in Rekava and other productions with her
Children
- Ravi Serasinghe (died by accident at age 31)
- Ranjith Serasinghe (surviving son, still involved in films)
Family Connection
She is the aunt of former President Ranil Wickramasinghe
Environmental Advocacy
Beyond drama, Serasinghe became a committed environmental activist. Her early touches with nature led her to establish ‘Ruk Rekaganno’, a voluntary service organisation that takes the message of conservation to grassroots Sri Lanka. She remains a steadfast advocate for the environment and the arts.
Political Background
During her university years, Serasinghe was exposed to Marxist ideas and became a communist militant under Professor Ludowyk’s influence. Colvin R. De Silva repeatedly invited her to contest a seat from the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP), but she eventually let go of political activism, feeling the Marxist movement left no room for her to discover herself.
Her career has been “neither fully detached from, nor fully bonded to, the politics of activism”.
Legacy and Significance
Iranganie Serasinghe’s evolution as an actress was conditioned by free education and universal franchise in Ceylon. She emerged during a crucial juncture when English and Sinhala theatre began collaborating actively in the mid-to-late 1960s.
As Haig Karunaratne noted, she “was able to live in both worlds” while “searching for emancipation”. She embodied both suffering and stability for the lower-middle-class Sri Lankan milieu that became the focus of film and television directors.
Her real achievement lies in rejecting her colonial upper-class elite background without fully rejecting it, taking part in cultural and political changes in which she thrived. With a career spanning over seven decades, she has left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan cinema, theatre, and television, inspiring generations with her unparalleled talent.
At 99 years old, she continues to be involved in films, a testament to how well she has endured.
Current Status
Today, as she celebrates her 99th birthday, Iranganie Serasinghe remains a true legend and timeless inspiration to Sri Lanka. She continues to embody the spirit of a true national treasure, with her contributions transcending the screen and stage.
The nation joins in honoring her life, her work, and the timeless legacy she has gifted to Sri Lankan arts and culture.
*Photos: Internet
